J-2-.  I .  /<S. 


PRINCETON,  N.  J.  ^^Jf 


Purchased   by  the   Hamill   Missionary   Fund, 


SC-C 


Division 
Section  - 


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AN 

HISTORICAL    SKETCH 

OF    THE 

BAPTIST    MISSIONARY    CONVENTION 

OF    THE 

STATE  OF  NEW  YORK ; 

EMBRACING    A 

NARRATIVE   OF   THE   ORIGIN   AND   PROGRESS 

OF    THE 
Baptist  Denomination 

IX 

CENTRAL  AND  WESTERN  NEW  YORK, 

WITH 

1.  History  of  the  Hamilton  Baptist  Missionary  Society  ; 

2.  Sketch  of  the  Associations  in  the  State  ;  and 

3.  Biographical  Notices  of  the  Founders  of  the  Convention. 


By    JOHN    PECK    and    JOHN    LAWTON. 


U  T  I  C  A  : 

PRINTED     BY     BENNETT     &      BRIGHT. 
1837. 


Entered  according  to  act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1837, 

By  Charles  Babcock,  Treasurer, 

In  trust  for  the  Baptist  Missionary  Convention  of  the  State  of  New  York, 

in  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  Northern  District  of  New  York. 


CONTENTS 


Introduction,  ...  ... 

History  of  early  churches,  ..... 

Formation  of  the  Otsego  Association, 

"         "    "    Hamilton  Baptist  Missionary  Society, 
Journals  of  Missionaries,  ....'. 

Eld.  J.  Peck, 

"  "      A.  Bennett,        ..... 

"      N.  Baker, 

"         "      J.  Lawton,        ..... 

*•  "      A,  Hosmer,  ..... 

"          "      J.  Upfold,         ..... 

A  brief  account  of  the  Baptist  Education  Society  of  the  State  of  N. 
Proceedings  of  the  Hamilton  Baptist  Missionary  Society, 
Indian  Affairs,  ...... 

Hamilton  Baptist  Missionary  Society,        .... 

Baptist  Missionary  Convention,  .... 

State  of  religion  in  the  Territory  embraced  by  the  Convention, 
New  York  Baptist  Register,  .... 

Concluding  Remarks, 
Associational  Statistics, 
Biographical  Sketches, 
Eld.  Ashbel  Hosmer,     . 

"    Emory  Osgood, 

"    Stephen  Parsons, 

"    Salmon  Morton, 

"    P.  P.  Roots, 

"    Joseph  Cornel], 

"    David  Irish, 

"    Caleb  Douglass, 

"    Jonathan  Ferris,    . 

"    Enoch  Ferris, 

•'    Elkanah  Corastock, 

"    Obed  Warren, 

"    John  Upfold, 

"    Sylvanus  Haynes, 

"    Nathaniel  Cole, 

"    Nathaniel  J.  Gilbert, 

'•    Roswel  Beckwith, 
Dea.  Squire  Manro, 


PAGE. 
7 


TO    THE    BAPTIST    3IISSI0NARY    CONVENTION   OF   THE 
STATE    OF   NEW   YORK, 


Dear  Brethren— In  compliance  with  a  resolution  passed  at  your 
aeasion  in  Whitesboro,  in  Oct.,  1836,  requesting  us  to  draw  up  an 
account  of  the  origin  and  progress  of  the  New  York  Baptist  State 
Convention,  we  have  entered  upon  the  task,  though  with  great  diJiHdence 
from  a  deep  sense  of  our  incompetence,  yet  animated  by  the  desire  that 
God  may  be  glorified  by  a  record  of  His  wonders  of  grace  in  this  region, 
and  anxious  to  leave  to  the  rising  generation  a  memorial  of  his  dealings 
with  his  people  in  all  the  way  through  which  he  has  led  them  to  the 
present  time.  Trusting  in  the  Lord,  we  have  proceeded  with  the 
arduous  work,  and  have  brought  it  to  a  close.  We  now  submit  it,  to 
be  disposed  of  as  you  in  your  wisdom  shall  think  proper,  assuring  you 
that  we  have  done  the  best  in  our  power  with  the  scattered  materials 
and  means  which  we  possessed. 

We  are  aware  that  the  work  is  drawn  out  to  a  length  not  contemplated 
by  the  Convention ;  yet,  upon  a  survey  of  the  whole  ground,  we  could 
not  render  it  more  concise,  and  do  justice  to  the  subject.  We  regard 
it  as  designed  hot  merely  for  the  present  age,  but  for  them  that  should 
come  after  us  ;  as  a  thank-offering  to  God  for  his  abundant  goodness  to 
his  people,  and  as  a  source  of  materials  to  some  future  historian. 

With  ardent  prayer  that  God  may  long  own  and  bless  the  labors  of 
this  Society  whose  history,  from  its  infancy,  we  have  endeavored  to 
trace,  we  remain 

Your  fellow-laborers  in  the  gospel, 

John  Peck, 
John  Lawton. 

Cazenovia,  April  13, 1837. 


INTRODUCTION. 


At  the  session  of  the  Baptist  Missionary  Convention  of  the  State  of 
New  York,  held  at  Whitesboro,  Oct.  19  and  20,  1836,  the  following 
resolutions  were  passed,  viz.  "  Resolved,  That  the  rich  indications  of 
Divine  favor  which  have  been  enjoyed  by  this  Convention,  from  its 
organization  to  the  present  time,  are  at  once  the  best  reward  for  past 
exertions  and  the  highest  incentive  to  increased  faithfulness." 

This  resolution  was  sustained  by  Br.  J.  Peck,  in  remarks  giving  a 
brief  but  deeply  interesting  account  of  the  origin  and  progress  of  this 
body  ;  after  which  the  following  resolution  was  unanimously  passed : 

"  Resolved,  That  Brn.  J.  Peck  and  J.  Lawton  be  requested  to  draw 
up  a  succinct  and  consecutive  account  of  the  origin  and  progress  of  this 
Convention,  for  publication  under  the  direction  of  the  Board." 

In  compliance'  with  the  above  we  undertook  the  work.  In  view  of 
the  whole  subject,  however,  we  thought  that  a  full  exhibition  of  the 
wonderful  dealings  of  Providence  with  the  Baptist  denomination  in 
western  New  York  would  require  an  account  of  their  settlement  and 
early  history  in  this  section.  We  have  therefore  given  a  brief  sketch 
of  many  incidents  which  occurred  at  this  early  day,  connected  with 
the  progress  of  religion  and  the  establishment  of  churches.  The  task, 
we  found,  was  indeed  laborious  ;  for,  as  we  intended  that  our  narrative 
should  be  strictly  authentic,  nothing  was  to  be  taken  on  trust,  and  we 
were  required  to  make  thorough  and  patient  search  for  such  documents 
as  would  afford  the  necessary  information. 


8  INTRODUCTION. 

In  compiling  this  work,  we  have  been  often  refreshed  by  a 
consideration  of  the  goodness  of  God,  manifested  in  the  enlargement 
of  our  churches  and  the  increasing  prevalence  of  the  principles  of  the 
Bible.  Yet  we  would  not  forget  his  favor  to  other  evangelical 
denominations  who  have  labored  for  the  promotion  of  the  gospel  from 
the  earliest  settlement  of  the  country.  We  rejoice  in  the  success  of 
their  efforts  for  the  salvation  of  sinners  and  the  establishment  of  the 
saints.  The  zeal  of  their  missionaries  has  been  praiseworthy,  and  their 
labors  abundant  and  successful.  Through  their  efforts  numerous 
churches  have  arisen,  and  been  supplied  with  faithful  ministers  ;  while 
many  precious  souls  have  been  led  to  the  Lamb  of  God,  and  are  now 
rejoicing  in  hope  of  immortal  glory. 

These  testimonies  of  Divine  favor  towards  others  gladden  our  hearts, 
and  we  wish  them  prosperity  in  all  their  evangelical  labors.  But  our 
limits  forbid  our  entering  upon  their  particular  history,  or  doing  more 
than  recording  the  expression  of  our  affectionate  regard. 

We  acknowledge  the  kind  assistance  of  a  number  of  brethren  in  the 
promotion  of  this  undertaking,  and  especially  that  of  Br.  J,  Sniitzer, 
Secretary  of  the  Convention. 


HISTORY, 


OF    THE    BAPTIST   MISSIONARY   CONVENTION    OF   THE 
STATE    OF    NEW    YORK. 


The  design  of  the  following  pages  is  to  give  a  history  of 
the  Baptist  Missionary  Convention  of  the  State  of  New 
York.  We  have  thought  that  it  might  be  properly  introduced 
by  a  brief  sketch  of  the  rise  of  the  denomination  in  the 
central  and  western  parts  of  the  State. 

In  the  month  of  June,  A.  D.  1773,  Ebenezer  Knap  and 
Increase  Thurstin,  with  their  families,  settled  on  the  Butternut 
creek,  within  the  present  limits  of  the  county  of  Otsego, 
and  about  twenty  miles  southwest  from  the  head  of  the 
Susquehanna  river.  There  was  then  no  English  settlement 
west  of  this  nearer  than  Niagara,  in  Upper  Canada,  a 
distance  of  more  than  two  hundred  miles,  nor  a  single  white 
inhabitant,  in  any  direction,  within  sixteen  miles.  Various 
tribes  of  the  aboriginals  were  still  enjoying  their  possessions 
throughout  this  region,  in  considerable  strength  and  numbers. 

Increase  Thurstin,  Ebenezer  Knap,  and  his  wife,  were 
members  of  a  Baptist  church  previous  to  the  time  of  the 
settlement  already  mentioned.  Thus  the  lamp  of  civilization 
was  first  lighted  in  this  wilderness  by  Baptists  in  1773,  who, 
notwithstanding  their  isolated  situation,  were  not  unmind- 
ful of  their  duty  to  God,  but,  immediately  after  their  arrival 
in  this  inhospitable  wild,  commenced  the  worship  of  God  in 
their  families,  and  on  the  Lord's  day,  by  singing,  exhortation, 
and  prayer — a  noble  example  for  all  Christians  who  form 
new  settlements. 


W  BAFTIST  MISSIONARY    CONVENTXON 

These  religious  exercises^  however;  produced  no  remai-ka- 
Me  effect  on  the  unconverted  members  of  those  families  until 
the  February  following^  v/hen,.  one  evening,  EUzabeth  LulL 
the  daughter  of  E.  Knap^  and  wife  of  Benj.  Lull,  Jun.,  arose 
from  her  bed  in  great  distress  of  mind^  and  came  down  stairs* 
lepeating  the  following  words  r 

"  Shall  Simon  bear  thy  cross  alone^ 

And  otiier  sadnts  go  free  ? 
Each  saint  of  thine  shall  find  his  own  ; 

And  there  is  one  for  me  ' 

'^  I  have  lived,"  said  she^  "  sixteen  years^  and  never  hud  a 
good  thought,  spoke  a  good  word,  or  did  a  good  deed."  This 
made  an  impression  on  the  mind  of  her  sister  Martha,  and 
also  on  her  husband.  Thus  the  work  of  the  Lord  began. 
The  father  of  the  family  was  gone  from  home,  and  they  had 
no  earthly  instructor  except  their  mother^  They  continued 
in  this  exercise  of  irdnd  until  April,  when  Mrs,  Lull  and  her 
sister  were  brought  into  the  liberty  of  the  gospel.  In  the 
ensuing  smiimer  seven  more  families  moved  into  the  place, 
and  united  with  the  first  settlers  in  their  religious  m.eetings» 
This  summer  was  a  comfortable  time  with  them,  in  the 
former  part  of  which  the  wife  of  Increase  Thurstin,  together 
with  Caleb  Lull,  was  brought  to  rejoice  in  the  Lord,  and 
many  otJiers  appeared  under  deep  exercise  of  mind» 

In  1776  David  Fowler,  who  was  a  Baptist,  and  a  native^ 
with  five  other  Indians,  from  Connecticut  and  Long  Island, 
removed  to  a  place  called  Brothertown,  (now  in  the  county 
of  Oneida,)  and  these  persons  likewise  soon  set  up  a  religious 
meetings  Hence,  it  appears  that  the  first  religious  meetings 
in  this  extensive  territory  were  established  by  Baptists  :  the 
first  at  Butternuts.,  in  1773,  and  the  second  at  Brothertown. 
in  1776. 

When  the  war  of  the  American  independence  took  place, 
the  unprotected  inhabitants  at  Butternuts  sufiered  a  sad 
reverse  by  merciless  white  men  and  Indians.^  Tlieir  houses 
were  pillaged  and  burned,  their  property  all  destroyed^  and 
they  themselves  driven  from  their  endeared  homes.  But 
when  peace  again  smiled  upon  our  beloved  country,  four  of 
these  same  persecuted  families  returned  to  Butternuts,  and 
in  the  subsequent  year  established  their  religious  meetings. 


BAPTIST    MISSIONARY    CONVENTION.  11 

In  1787  they  were  privileged  with  the  occasional  preaching 
of  the  gospel,  and  some  of  the  hearers  were  baptized.  In 
August,  1793,  a  council,  consisting  of  the  elder  and  delegates 
from  the  church  in  Greenfield,  in  the  county  of  Sarator^a, 
gave  them  fellowship  as  a  church  in  gospel  order.  They 
were  ten  in  number,  five  males  and  five  females.  Thus  was 
constituted,  in  the  wilderness,  the  first  church  in  Butternuts, 
situate  southwesterly  from  Springfield  about  thirty-five  miles. 

Springfield  church,  Otsego  Co. — In  1789  Elder 
William  Furman  became  an  inhabitant  of  that  place.  In 
February  of  the  same  year  they  were  blessed  with  a  revival 
of  religion.  In  March  following  Eld.  Furman,  with  twenty 
more,  united  with  the  former  nine  in  covenant,  and  were 
thus  constituted  a  church  in  gospel  order.  This  was  a 
beautiful  sight,  a  glorious  day  in  the  desert :  this  was  the 
first  evangelical  standard  erected  in  this  howling  wilderness. 

Franklin  church,  Delaware  Co. — In  August,  1792,  a 
revival  commenced  in  the  town  of  Franklin,  and  continued 
until  January,  1793 ;  and  on  the  fifteenth  of  the  same 
month  the  disciples  here  received  fellowship  as  a  church  in 
gospel  order.  The  church  lies  southwest  from  Springfield 
about  fifty  miles. 

Kortright  church,  Delaware  Co. — In  the  spring  of 
1793  there  appeared  a  religious  attention  among  the  few 
inhabitants  of  Kortright.  In  July  following  Eld.  Jonathan 
Gray  visited  them,  and  baptized  seven  converts.  These, 
with  three  more  from  Eld.  Gray's  church,  entered  into 
covenant,  and  received  from  him  the  right  hand  of  fellowship 
as  a  gospel  church.  On  the  30th  of  October,  1794,  delegates 
from  the  churches  in  Great  Barrington  and  Coeymans 
assembled  in  council,  and  ordained  Br.  Warner  Lake  as 
their  pastor.  This  was  the  first  ordination  in  this  wilder- 
ness. Elds.  Gray  and  Mudge  officiated  in  the  solemn 
service. 

1st  church,  Burlington,  Otsego  Co. — On  the  28th  of 
March,  1794,  the  first  church  in  Burlington  received  fellow- 
ship of  a  council,  consisting  of  the  elder  and  delegates 
from  the  Springfield  church.  They  were  ten  in  number, 
and  situated  northwest  from  Springfield  about  twenty.four 
miles. 


12  BAPTIST    MISSIONARY   CONVENTION. 

2d  church,  Burlington. — On  the  29th  of  March,  1794, 
a  number  of  brethren  and  sisters  in  the  southern  part  of 
Burlington  covenanted  together  as  a  church  of  Christ.  On 
the  16th  of  May  following  a  council  from  the  churches  in 
Butternuts,  Springfield,  and  1st  Burlington,  met  at  the 
house  of  Br.  Paul  Gardner,  and  after  prayer,  and  due 
inquiries  respecting  the  faith  and  practice  of  the  brethren 
by  whom  the  council  was  called,  gave  them  fellowship  as  a 
church  of  Jesus  Christ.  Their  number  was  nine.  From 
the  5th  of  April,  1794,  to  the  18th  of  May,  meetings  were 
frequent,  and  many  gave  a  relation  of  their  Christian 
experience.  On  the  10th  of  May  Eld.  Furman  baptized 
twenty-three  persons,  and  on  the  29th  of  June  Eld.  Caleb 
Nichols,  of  Pownal,  a  minister  of  the  Shaftsbury  Association, 
baptized  twenty-eight.  The  good  work  continued  until 
October  following,  when  their  number  was  increased  to 
ninety-eight.  This  church  lies  southwest  from  Springfield 
twenty-eight  miles. 

3d  church,  Burlington,  now  Edmeston. — In  March, 
1793,  Brn.  Jonathan  Pettit  and  Stephen  Taylor  set  up  a 
conference-meeting,  on  the  Lord's  day,  in  the  northwest  part 
of  Burlington;  which  they  continued  until  May  11,  1794, 
when  a  council  of  delegates,  from  Springfield  and  the  1st 
and  2d  churches  in  Burlington,  convened  at  the  house  of 
Br.  Timothy  Taylor,  and,  after  due  examination  of  the 
covenant  and  articles  of  the  brethren  and  sisters  (ten  in 
number)  residing  in  that  part  of  the  town,  gave  them 
fellowship  as  a  church.  This  church  lies  southwest  from 
Springfield  thirty  miles. 

Richfield,  now  Exeter  church,  Otsego  Co. — Richfield 
church,  numbering  nine,  was  fellowshiped  June  14,  1794,  by 
a  council  of  delegates  from  Springfield  and  1st  Burlington 
churches.  It  is  situated  west  from  Springfield  about  seven- 
teen miles. 

1st  church  in  Otsego,  Otsego  Co. — On  the  18th  of 
December,  1794,  Eld.  Furman  and  four  brethren,  being 
invited,  convened  and  examined  the  religious  character  and 
circumstances  of  certain  brethren  in  the  town  of  Otsego, 
twelve  in  number,  and  gave  them  fellowship  as  a  church  of 
Christ.  Its  location  is  west  from  Springfield  about  seven 
miles. 


BAPTIST    MISSIONARY    CONVENTION.  13 

2d  church  in  Otsego,  now  Hartwick. — On  the  19th 
of  August,  1795,  pursuant  to  a  request,  delegates  from 
Springfield  and  Franklin  churches  convened,  and  gave 
fellowship  to  twelve  disciples,  (residing  in  the  southern  part 
of  Otsego,)  as  a  church  in  gospel  order.  This  church  lies 
southwesterly  from  Springfield  about  twenty  miles. 

Otego  church,  Otsego  Co. — On  the  20th  of  August, 
1795,  a  council  of  delegates  from  the  churches  of  Franklin 
and  Springfield  assembled,  and  gave  to  twelve  disciples  in 
Otego  fellowship  as  a  church  in  gospel  order.  This  location 
is  southwesterly  from  Springfield  about  thirty-five  miles. 

Fairfield  &;  Palatine  church,  Herki3ier  Co. — In 
1793  Eld.  Joel  Butler  removed  to  the  Royal  Grant,  and  began 
to  preach  to  a  few  scattered  inhabitants.  The  Lord  so 
blessed  his  labors  that,  in  1794,  a  church  was  organized  and 
received  fellowship  by  Eld.  Joseph  Cornell,  consisting  of 
fourteen  members.  This  church  lies  north  from  Springfield 
about  twenty-two  miles. 

Church  in  Norwich,  now  New  Berlin,  Chenango  Co. 
— In  1792  a  number  of  Baptist  professors  met  in  conference, 
and,  after  suitable  inquiries,  obtained  fellov/ship  of  each 
other,  and  continued  their  meetings  until  the  20th  of  January, 
1794.  They  then  met  at  the  house  of  Br.  Simeon  Camp, 
where  Eld.  Joseph  Craw,  and  one  brother  with  him,  gave 
them  fellov.ship  as  a  church  in  gospel  order.  They  were 
eleven  in  number.  This  church  lies  southwesterly  from 
Springfield  about  forty-two  miles. 

Schuyler  &  Whitestown  church,  now  embraced  in 
the  town  of  Deerfield,  soon  lost  its  visibility. 

Church  in  Charlestown,  Montgomery  Co. — In  this 
place  a  number  of  disciples,  at  an  early  period,  covenanted 
together  to  maintain  the  public  worship  of  God,  and  in 
September,  1793,  they  received  fellowship  as  a  church  of 
Christ,  numbering  about  ten.  Eld.  Elijah  Herrick,  who 
was  born  in  Dutchess  Co.  1760,  and  who  was  baptized  in 
1789,  at  Duanesburgh,  commenced  preaching  the  gospel  in 
1792,  and  removed  to  Charlestown  in  1794.  The  following 
year  he  was  ordained  as  pastor  of  the  church,  where  he  has 
continued  his  labors  until  the  present,  with  abundant  success  ; 
and  in  the  mean  time  has  broken  the  bread  of  life  to  the 
destitute  in  the  surrounding  country. 


14  BAPTIST    3IISSI0^•AEY    CONVENTION. 

These  were  the  only  churches  to  give  light  to  a  vast 
extent  of  wilderness  ;  and  we  have  mentioned  their  distance 
from  a  given  point,  to  show  their  scattered  situation,  and 
the  necessarily  accumulated  labors  of  their  first  public 
ministers.  For  a  more  full  account  of  the  organization  of 
the  preceding  churches,  consult  "  Rise  and  Progress  ot  the 
Otsego  Association,"  by  Elds.  A.  Hosmer  and  J.  Lawton, 
1800. 


OTSEGO     ASSOCIATION. 


THE    FORMATION    OF    THE    OTSEGO    ASSOCIATION. 

In  the  year  1789  Eld.  William  Furman,  then  about  forty 
years  of  age,  from  St.  Coyte,  took  up  his  residence  in  the 
town  of  Springfield,  in  the  county  of  Otsego,  N.  Y.  At  this 
time  there  was  not  one  Baptist  church  in  the  vast  territory, 
bounded  as  follows :  on  the  east  by  a  meridian  crossing  the 
Mohawk  at  the  mouth  of  the  Schoharie  river  ;  on  the  north 
and  south  by  parallels  of  latitude  intersecting  said  meridian 
on  the  northern  and  southern  boundaries  of  the  State  of  New 
York,  and  extending  west  to  the  Pacific  ocean ;  and  on  the 
west  by  the  Pacific.  Eld.  Furman  was  the  first  minister 
settling  in  this  extensive  wilderness,  who  was  particularly 
useful  in  planting  churches  and  promoting  the  rise  of  the 
Otsego  Association.  Having  the  glory  of  God  in  view,  and 
desirous  of  the  increase  of  the  Redeemer's  kingdom,  he 
spared  no  pains,  but  exerted  himself  to  the  utmost,  for  the 
accomplishment  of  this  object.  It  may  with  propriety  be 
said  of  him  that  he  was,  under  God,  the  father  of  these 
churches.  He  is  now,  we  trust,  'reaping,  in  heaven,  the 
reward  of  his  unwearied  exertions  in  the  cause  of  his  glorious 
Redeemer. 

In  the  spring  of  1794  he  proposed  to  the  churches  to  meet 
in  conference,  to  consult  on  the  propriety  of  forming  an 
association.  Accordingly,  seven  churches  met  on  the  4th  of 
Sept.,  1794,  at  the  house  of  WilUam  GoflT,  in  BurUngton. 
Elds.  Peter  Worden,  Joseph  Cornell,  and  Joseph  Craw,  from 
the  Shaftsbury  Association,  being  present,  took  seats  with 
them  in  their  deUberations.  After  an  agreeable  interchange 
of  views  on  the  subject,  they  adjourned  until  the  second 
Thursday  in  Jan.,  1795,  to  meet  at  the  house  of  Paul  Gardner, 
in  Burlington.    At  this  meeting,  which  was  held  on  the  8th 


16  BAPTIST    MISSIONARY    CONVEJTTlU..* 

of  January,  (pursuant  to  adjournment,)  two  more  churches 
were  added.  The  plan  of  an  association  having  been  pro- 
posed, it  was  unanimously  resolved  that  it  should  be  referred 
to  the  churches,  with  a  request  that  they  would  appoint 
delegates  to  convene  at  the  meeting-house  in  Springfield,  in 
September  following,  with  power  to  decide  on  the  propriety 
of  forming  an  association. 

On  the  2d  of  Sept.,  1795,  delegates  from  the  churches  were 
appointed,  pursuant  to  request,  and  they  accordingly  assem- 
bled at  the  meeting-house  in  Springfield.  The  introductory 
sermon  was  delivered  by  Eld.  Ashbel  Hosmer,  from  Luke 
xxiv.  26.  A  moderator  and  clerk  being  chosen,  letters  from 
the  churches  were  read,  and  the  following  list  was  taken : 

Churches.  Ministers.     No.  of  Members^ 

Springfield,  William  Furman,  56 

1st  Burhngton,  22 

2d         "  Ashbel  Hosmer,  101 

3d         «  10 

Norwich,  (now  New  Berlin,)  30 

1st  Unadilla,  (now  Butternutts,)  17 

Richfield,  (now  Exeter,)  22 

Stuart's  Patent,  (now  1st  Otsego,)  21 

Schuyler,  John  Hammond,  63 

Charlestown,  Elijah  Herrick,  24 

Fairfield,  Palatine,  Joel  Butler,  31 

2d  Unadilla,  (now  Otego,)  15 

Otsego,  12 
Churches,  13  ;  Ministers,  5 ;  Members,  424. 

Elds.  Cornell  and  Finch,  delegates  from  Shaftsbury  Asso- 
ciation, took  seats  with  the  brethren.  Adjourned  until  8 
o'clock  the  next  morning.  September  3.  Met  pursuant  to 
adjournment.  Sermon  by  Eld.  Cornell,  from  Timothy  ii.  3. 
Proceeded  to  business.  A  plan  of  union  for  these  churches 
was  read,  and  unanimously  adopted. 

The  infant  churches  being  unsuspicious,  hospitable,  and 
eager  to  hear  the  gospel  preached,  were  often  subjected  to 
imposition  from  artfiil  and  designing  men,  claiming  to  be 
Baptist  ministers,  who,  dangerous  in  principle,  and  corrupt 
in  practice,  had  already  obtruded  themselves  upon  the  new 


\ 


OTSEGO    ASSOCIATION.  17 

settlements,  and  shamefully  abused  their  confidence.  It  was 
therefore  thought  indispensable  to  devise  some  efficient  means 
for  preventing  a  repetition  of  such  impositions,  and  preserve 
the  churches  from  farther  contamination.  Eld.  Joseph 
Cornell  was  accordingly  appointed  to  examine  the  churches 
and  ministers  concerning  their  faith  and  practice. 

The  churches  and  ministers  already  mentioned,  being  found 
to  agree  in  judgment  and  heart,  unanimously  resolved  to 
consider  themselves  at  this  and  future  meetings  as  an  associa- 
tion, by  the  name  of  the  Otsego  Association.  The  visiting 
elders  and  brethren  gave  them  fellowship.  A  correspondence 
was  opened  with  the  Shaftsbury  and  Danbury  Associations, 
and  a  vote  was  passed  to  meet  annually  on  the  first  Wednesday 
in  September,  at  10  o'clock,  A.  M. 

This  being  the  first  interview  of  the  kind  ever  enjoyed  in 
this  wilderness,  it  was  one  of  intense  interest.  The  presence 
of  the  great  Jehovah  was  deeply  felt,  and  the  souls  of  his 
people  expanded  with  joy.  Some,  who  came  to  the  meeting 
with  a  resolution  to  oppose  the  forming  of  an  Association, 
were  constrained  to  acknowledge  that  God  was  there ;  their 
opposition  ceased,  and  their  souls  melted  in  the  pleasure 
occasioned  by  the  union  of  their  infant  churches.  Indeed,  it 
was  a  delightful  scene  to  behold  these  little  flocks  scattered 
throughout  this  extensive  region,  coming  up  out  of  the  wil- 
derness, evidently  led  by  the  good  Shepherd  to  associate 
together  in  this  capacity,  and  thereby  exhibit  what  the  Lord 
had  done,  and  what  He  was  still  to  do,  in  this  once  howling 
desert.  Thus  in  weakness,  with  much  fear  and  trembling, 
and  amid  trials  of  the  most  distressing  character,  was  the 
foundation  laid,  on  which  a  glorious  superstructure  has  been 
raised  in  western  New  York. 

In  a  review  of  what  God  did  for  his  people  in  this  hitherto 
uncultivated  country,  we  are  reminded  of  the  prediction  of 
the  rise  and  progress  of  the  kingdom  of  Christ,  Psalm  Ixxii, 
16  and  9  verses  ;  "There  shall  be  a  handfull  of  corn  in  the 
earth  upon  the  top  of  the  mountains  ;  the  fruit  thereof  shall 
shake  like  Lebanon,  and  they  of  the  city  shall  flourish  like 
the  grass  of  the  earth.  They  that  dwell  in  the  wilderness 
shall  bow  before  Him,  and  his  enemies  shall  lick  the  dust." 

After  a  sermon  delivered  before  the  Association,  by  Eld. 
Joel  Butler,  from  these  words,  "That  they  may  be  one,"  the 
2 


18  BAPTIST   MISSIONARY  CONVENTION. 

following   lines,    composed   by   him,   were   introduced,    as 
expressive  of  the  feelings  of  the  brethren  : 

"  One  is  our  God,  who  reigns  above, 
And  one  our  Savior  whom  we  love  ; 
One  is  the  faith ;  the  Spirit  one, 
That  brings  us  round  Jehovah's  throne  ; 
One  hope  we  have,  one  race  we  run 
To  our  eternal,  shining  home  : 
One  is  our  Guide,  and  one  the  way. 
That  leads  to  shining  fields  of  day  ; 
And  one  the  song  of  praise  we  sing 
To  our  eternal,  glorious  King." 

The  second  anniversary  of  the  Otsego  Association  was 
holden  at  Burhngton,  Sept.  7  and  8, 1796.  The  introductory 
sermon,  by  Eld.  J.  Butler,  was  from  John  xvii.  22.  The 
letters  were  read,  and  the  following  account  was  taken: 
Dismissed,  3  ;  excluded,  6  ;  died,  2  ;  added,  318  ;  total,  653. 
Four  churches  and  four  ministers  were  added  at  this  session — = 
Franklin,  Aurelius,  Scipio,  and  1st  Litchfield  ;  Eld.  James 
Bacon,  Peter  P.  Roots,  David  Irish,  and  John  Bostwick. 

The  third  session  was  holden  at  Fairfield,  on  the  first 
Wednesday  in  Sept.,  1797.  Eld.  James  Bacon  preached 
the  introductory  sermon  from  John  xv.  16.  The  letters 
furnished  the  following  account :  Dismissed,  .55  ;  excluded, 
11 ;  died,  5  ;  added,  358  ;  total  number,  1,054.  The  churches 
added  this  year  were  2d  Litchfield,  Kortright,  Paris,  North 
Burlington,  2d  Richfield,  Augusta,  Whitestown,  and  1st 
Hamilton ;  and  Elds.  Stephen  Parsons,  Hezekiah  Eastman, 
and  Warner  Lake,  were  received  as  ministers. 

The  fourth  session  was  held  at  Franklin,  Sept.  5  and  6, 
1798.  The  introductory  sermon,  by  Eld.  Stephen  Parsons, 
was  from  Romans  x.  13,  14,  15.  The  following  statistics 
were  furnished  by  the  letters  :  Dismissed,  20  ;  excluded,  40  ; 
died,  8 ;  added,  308 ;  total,  1,292.  The  churches  added 
were  2d  Norwich,  Pompey,  and  Oxford  ;  the  ministers  were 
Elds.  Stephen  Taylor  and  Simeon  Smith. 

The  fifth  anniversary  of  the  Association  was  held  at 
Exeter,  on  the  4th  and  5th  of  Sept.,  1799.  Eld.  Furman 
preached  the  introductory  discourse,  from  2  Cor.  v.  20a 
The  letters  presented  the  following  summary :  Dismissed, 


OTSEGO    ASSOCIATION.  19 

127 ;  excluded,  22 ;  died,  15 ;  added,  452  ;  total,  1,659. 
The  churches  received  this  year  were  Brothertown,  2d 
Hamilton,  (now  Madison,)  3d  Norwich,  Sangersfield, 
Schuyler,  Shortlots,  and  Worcester.  The  following  churches 
were  organized  subsequent  to  this  session  :  West  Brookfield, 
20  members,  Nov.  9,  1799 ;  Warren,  16  members,  July  9, 
1800;  Da  Ruyter,  23  members,  Dec.  26,1799.  Having 
now  mentioned  all  the  churches  and  ministers  found  in  this 
country  at  the  close  of  the  last  century,  except  some  few 
beyond  the  Cayuga  lake,  we  shall  proceed  to  notice  briefly 
some  important  miscellaneous  matter.  And  first,  the  revivals 
enjoyed  in  the  new  settlement. 

Litchfield.  In  1796  God  was  pleased  to  pour  out  his 
Spirit  in  this  place.  A  few  of  the  inhabitants  were  professors 
of  the  Congregational  order,  and  some  were  Methodists. 
Elds.  Butler,  Hosmer,  and  Roots,  visited  them  and  preached, 
and  baptized  a  number.  The  work  continued  through  the 
summer  and  winter;  in  which  time  the  Congregational 
brethren  embraced  the  Baptist  sentiments,  and  being 
immersed,  with  others,  formed  the  2d  church  in  Litchfield, 
now  Winfield.  In  1796  a  partial  revival  took  place  in 
Norwich,  now  New  Berlin.  Eld.  Hosmer  visited  them,  anJ 
baptized  several  converts. 

Exeter.  In  May,  1797,  the  Lord  began  to  pour  out  of 
his  Spirit  in  this  town.  A  revival  took  place,  in  which  time 
twenty-six  v/ere  added  to  the  church.  In  1799  a  most 
remarkable  thunder-storm  occurred  in  this  part  of  the  country, 
which,  by  the  blessing  of  God,  was  the  means  of  awakening 
some  to  a  concern  for  their  souls.  Soon  after  ten  were 
added  to  the  church. 

Oteo.  In  August,  1798,  at  a  meeting  on  Lord's  day, 
two  young  persons  appeared  in  great  distress  of  mind. 
They  went  to  their  parents,  and  with  much  humility 
confessed  their  faults,  and  implored  forgiveness.  On  the 
Thursday  following  they  met  in  conference.  The  Lord  was 
present  by  his  Holy  Spirit ;  saints  rejoiced,  and  many  appeared 
to  have  a  deep  sense  of  their  lost  condition.  The  work  was 
carried  on  by  a  Divine  power.  Several  ministering  brethren 
visited  them  in  its  progress,  and  were  instrumental  in 
promoting  it.  During  this  awakening  the  church  received 
an  addition  of  forty-six. 


20  BAPTIST   MISSIONARY  CONVENTION. 

BuTTERNUTTs.  In  January,  1798,  Br.  John  Lawton,  from 
Adtims,  Mass.,  moved  into  this  place,  and  began  to  labor  in 
the  gospel.  The  Lord's  day  of  Sept.  26,  1798,  was  one  of 
much  solemnity.  The  Spirit  of  the  Lord  seemed  to  be 
present:  a  number  of  youth,  and  others,  were  greatly 
alarmed,  while  the  people  of  God  were  much  encouraged. 
A  young  woman  gave  a  relation  of  her  experience,  and  was 
received  for  baptism.  Several  others  appeared  in  great 
distress.  On  the  10th  Oct.,  Eld.  Hosmer  preached,  and 
baptized  four  persons ;  one  of  which  was  an  aged  Presbyterian 
professor.  On  the  25th  of  the  same  month,  Br.  Lawton  was 
ordained,  and  Lord's  day  following  he  baptized  eleven 
persons.  The  work  continued  through  the  winter,  during 
which,  and  in  the  spring  and  summer  following,  sixty  persons 
were  added  to  the  church.  One  of  the  number  was  a  woman 
in  her  eighty-fourth  year,  and  had  been  a  member  of  a 
Presbyterian  church  sixty  years. 

1st  Hamilton.  In  the  latter  part  of  1798  a  young  man. 
who  had  been  a  leader  in  the  merry  circles  of  the  youth, 
was  suddenly  brought  into  the  deepest  corucern  for  his  soul. 
The  pungent  and  searching  preaching  of  those  times,  and  the 
heart-broken  expressions  of  this  young  man,  produced  such 
an  impression  upon  several  of  the  youth,  that  they  left  their 
school,  and  went  to  see  him.  They  found  him  in  deep 
distress.  The  night  following  there  was  a  conference  at  the 
house  of  Br.  Samuel  Payne.  It  was  a  season  never  to  be 
forgotten.  The  tongues  of  the  saints  were  loosed,  and 
their  prayers  and  exhortations  were  fervent  and  searching. 
Sinners  cried,  "  What  shall  we  do  to  be  saved  ?"  During 
the  revival  one  man,  an  open  Deist,  who  delighted  m.uch  in 
Paine's  "  Age  of  Reason,"  despised  the  Bible,  and  spake 
evil  of  religion,  was  awakened  to  a  sense  of  his  danger,  and, 
through  the  goodness  of  God,  was  brought  into  liberty,  and, 
with  many  others,  united  with  the  church.  This  individual 
was  our  late  lamented  Br.  Daniel  Hatch,  of  Eaton,  who, 
notwithstanding  his  opposition  to  the  Bible  then,  was 
afterward  made  to  delight  in  its  truths.  The  doctrine  of 
grace  became  his  theme,  and  the  interests  of  the  church  of 
Christ  lay  near  his  heart.  His  house  was  a  home  for  the 
weary  pilgrim,  and  all  the  benevolent  institutions  of  the  day 
were  cherished  by  him,  and  shared  in  his  prayers  and  liberal 


OTSEGO   ASSOCIATION,  21 

contributions.     He  died  Sept.  1,  1836,  in  the  64th  year  of 
his  age,  and  we  believe  that  he  sleeps  in  Jesus. 

2d  Norwich,  now  North  Norwich.  Oct.  1799.  An 
awakening  began  here,  occasioned  by  the  sudden  death  of 
two  eminent  persons  in  this  church,  in  the  course  of  which 
they  had  the  assistance  of  Eld.  Hosmer,  Taylor,  and  Roots. 
About  the  first  of  Dec.  there  appeared  a  general  concern  on 
the  minds  of  the  people.  The  first  Lord's  day  in  Dec.  Eld. 
Roots  baptized  twenty-two;  on  the  second  Lord's  day 
fourteen ;  and  on  the  third  twelve  more  ;  fifty-four,  in  all. 
were  added  to  the  church  during  this  revival.  Of  the 
twenty-two  first  baptized,  were  Eld.  Nathan  Peck,  and  the 
wife  of  Eld.  John  Peck.  Her  husband  had  been  baptized 
about  one  year  previous,  by  the  same  administrator,  being 
the  second  person  who  thus  publicly  put  on  Christ  in  all 
that  newly  settled  region.  Also  of  this  twenty-two  was  our 
late  beloved  Br.  Samuel  Pike,  of  Norwich  village,  who  has 
recently,  and  very  suddenly,  been  called  to  give  an  account 
of  his  stewardship,  and  to  receive,  we  hope  and  beheve,  the 
approbation  of  his  Lord.  He  died  Jan.  27,  1837.  His 
father  was  one  of  those  eminent  persons  before  named. 

Ordinations.— June  23,  1796,  Br.  John  Bostwick  was 
set  apart  to  the  work  of  the  ministry  in  the  2d  church  of 
Otsego,  now  Hartwick.  Eld.  Henry  Green,  from  the 
Vermont  Association,  preached  the  sermon;  Eld.  Butler 
offered  the  ordaining  prayer ;  Elds.  Bacon,  Roots,  and  Lake, 
laid  on  hands ;  Eld.  Cornell  gave  the  charge ;  Eld.  Hosmer 
the  right  hand  of  fellowship  ;  and  Eld.  Furman  offered  the 
concluding  prayer.  This  was  the  first  ordination  in  this 
Association.     The  services  were  in  the  woods. 

Oct.  25,  1797,  Br.  Stephen  Taylor,  of  the  3d  church 
Burlington,  now  Edmeston,  was  set  apart  to  the  work  of  the 
ministry.  Eld.  Butler  preached  the  sermon;  Eld.  Bacon 
prayed,  and  laid  on  hands  with  Elds.  Furman  and  Hammond  ; 
Eld.  Hosmer  gave  the  charge;  Eld.  Bostwick  the  right 
hand  of  fellowship;  and  Eld.  Hammond  concluded  with 
prayer.     The  exercises  were  attended  in  a  barn. 

Oct.  25,  1798,  Br.  John  Lawton,  of  Butternut  church, 
was  set  apart  to  the  work  of  the  gospel  ministry.  Eld. 
Butler  preached  a  sermon  from  1  Timothy  iii.  1  ;  Eld. 
Lesure  offered  the  ordaining  prayer,  and  laid  on  hands  with 


22  BAPTIST    MISSIONARY  CONVENTION. 

Elds.  Bostwick  and  Smith ;  Eld.  Bacon  gave  the  charge ; 
Eld.  Hosmer  the  right  hand  of  fellowship  ;  and  Eld.  Taylor 
offered  the  concluding  prayer.  The  solemn  ceremony  was 
performed  on  a  stage  in  the  open  air. 

Thus  have  we  given  an  imperfect  sketch  of  the  history  of 
the  Baptist  churches  in  western  New  York,  until  the  close  of 
the  last  centuiy  ;  containing  a  view  of  the  rise  and  increase 
of  the  Otsego  Association  for  five  years.  And,  truly,  we 
may  say,  "  What  hath  God  wrought !"  At  the  close  of  1799 
there  were,  within  the  bounds  of  this  Association,  thirty- 
seven  churches,  fifteen  ministers,  and  1718  members. 

The  ministers  who  officiated  during  this  time  were  Elds, 
William  Furrnan,  Ashbel  Hosmer,  Joel  Butler,  Elijah  Herrick, 
John  Hammond,  John  Bostwick,  Stephen  Taylor,  John 
Lawton,  Peter  P.  Roots,  Warner  Lake,  James  Bacon,  David 
Irish,  Hezekiah  Eastman,  Stephen  Parsons,  and  Simeon 
Smith.  The  first  five  of  these  were  laboring  here  previously 
to  the  forming  of  the  Association ;  no  two  of  them  lived 
nearer  to  each  other  than  twenty-five  miles  ;  and  the  residence 
of  one  was  sixty  or  seventy  from  the  body  of  the  Association. 
His  services  were'confined  to  the  church  to  which  he  belonged, 
and  to  the  destitute  region  around  him.  Another,  seldom 
appeared  abroad  ;  so  that  the  weight  of  the  labor  lay  on  the 
first  three,  together  with  a  few  young  men  whom  the  Lord 
was  raising  up,  and  some  elders  from  other  associations. 
Eld.  James  Bacon,  who  ministered  to  the  church  in  Franklin, 
belonging'  to  Shaftsbury  Association,  occasionally  assisted 
them. 

In  1793  Eld.  Joel  Butler  came  to  the  Royal  Grants,  and 
began  to  preach  to  a  few  scattered  inhabitants.  A  considerable 
opposition  was  made  against  him  by  an  ambitious  intriguer. 
which  retarded  his  progress  for  a  short  time.  But  the 
character  of  this  adversary  soon  came  to  light ;  and  the 
Lord  showed  himself  with  liis  sei-vant,  and  greatly  blessed 
his  labors.  His  calls  were  numerous  ;  and  as  a  zealous, 
active  minister,  he  was  greatly  instrumental  in  the  growth 
of  the  northwestern  part  of  this  Association.  But  he  has 
ceased  from  his  toils,  and  has  gone  to  enjoy  his  rest. 

In  June,  1795,  Elo.  Ashbel  Hosmer  removed  his  family 
into  Burlington,  and  commenced  labor  with  Elds.  Furman 
and  Butler.     He  was  zealous  and  active,  and,  in  the  cause 


OTSEGO    ASSOCIATION.  23 

of  his  blessed  Master,  was  ready  to  encounter  all  opposition. 
He  strenuously  advocated  right  principles,  and,  in  union 
with  the  two  former,  laid  a  permanent  foundation  for  the 
future  growth  and  prosperity  of  the  Baptist  interest  in  this 
extensive  district. 

Among  their  most  prominent  measures  was  a  rule  proposed 
by  them,  and  adopted  by  the  Association,  that,  when  a  church 
desires  admission  into  their  body,  it  should  be  examined  as 
to  its  faith  and  practice,  when  constituted,  and  what  church 
and  ministers  gave  it  fellowship.  If  a  minister  was  presented, 
he  was  examined  in  the  following  manner  :  Where  did  you 
begin  to  preach  ?  What  church  gave  you  license  ?  Where 
were  you  ordained  ?  What  church  and  ministers  assisted 
in  your  ordination  ?  Where  have  you  labored  since  ?  The 
adoption  of  these  rules  excited  the  wonder  of  friends  and 
the  malice  of  enemies ;  but  the  necessity  and  wisdom  of  the 
measure  were  soon  seen,  and  are  felt  to  the  present  day  ; 
for,  had  not  those  energetic  measures  been  adopted,  our 
country  would  have  been  overrun  with  men  of  loose 
principles  and  corrupt  practices.  For  the  country  being 
new,  and  the  settlements  small,  many  men  who  had  lost  their 
characters  in  the  eastern  and  southern  parts,  supposing  the 
wilderness  to  be  favorable  to  their  designs,  were  purposing 
to  come  into  this  country.  Some  had  already  come ;  while 
others,  hearing  of  the  adoption  of  those  rules,  thought  it 
wise  to  keep  away.  In  consequence  of  the  almost  entire 
desecration  of  the  Lord's  day,  it  was  necessary  to  enjoin 
upon  the  church  at  their  formation,  and  make  it  an  article 
in  their  covenant,  that  they  should  religiously  observe  the 
day  ;  and  also  that  all  heads  of  families  should  maintain  the 
worship  of  God  in  their  houses,  by  reading  the  scriptures 
and  vocal  prayer.  For  the  establishment  of  these  measures 
Eld.  Hosmer  was  very  zealous.  To  promote  a  salutary 
discipline,  and  diffuse  pure  and  undefiled  religion  among  the 
churches,  he  labored  night  and  day,  and  endured  many 
privations.  But  the  Lord  supported  him  amid  all  his  trials, 
and  has  long  since  taken  him  from  his  labors,  to  the  rest 
prepared  for  the  children  of  God. 

December,  1795,  Eld.  Peter  P.  Roots  came,  and  united 
with  the  others  in  this  Association,  and  was  eminently  useful 
in  carrying  forward  the  work  of  God  in  these  new  settlements. 


24  BAPTIST    MISSIONARY  CONVENTION. 

In  the  early  part  of  his  labors  he  was  unmarried,  and 
therefore  free  from  the  embarrassments  of  a  family.  His 
labors  were  very  useful,  and  greatly  blessed :  but  having 
finished  his  work,  his  Master  called  him  home,  to  receive  his 
crown. 

In  1796  Eld.  James  Bacon  was  added  to  their  number, 
whose  unwearied  labors,  notwithstanding  his  advanced  age, 
were  a  source  of  great  comfort  to  the  church  and  ministers. 
He,  also,  was  instrumental  in  raising  several  churches,  of 
which  number  were  those  of  Cazenovia,  Hartwick,  and 
Delphi.  But  he  has  ceased  from  his  work  on  earth,  and 
gone  to  his  rest  in  the  bosom  of  that  Savior  whom  he  loved 
and  served  with  a  warm  and  pious  zeal.  Of  him  it  may  be 
truly  said  that  he  came  down  to  the  grave  like  a  shock  of 
corn  in  its  season,  fully  ripe.  Elds.  Bostwick  and  Irish 
were  admitted  into  the  Association.  Eld.  Eastman  began 
at  this  time  to  labor  in  Paris.  The  same  autumn  Eld. 
Stephen  Parsons,  a  man  of  superior  abilities,  settled  in 
Whitestown,  and  commenced  laboring  with  the  others.  At 
the  next  session  of  the  Association,  he,  with  Eld.  Lake,  of 
Kortright,  was  added  to  that  body.  In  1797  Stephen  Taylor 
was  ordained,  and  labored  with  them  to  good  acceptance. 
In  1798  Eld.  John  Lawton  was  ordained,  and  united  his 
labors  with  those  of  his  brethren.  Elds.  Eastman,  Parsons, 
and  Irish,  have  also  left  the  church  militant,  to  join  the  church 
triumphant. 

Thus  have  nine  of  those  undaunted  champions  in  the 
cause  of  Christ  put  off  their  armor,  and  gone  to  receive 
their  crowns.  Five  others  are  yet  waiting  for  their  dismission. 
Of  the  other  one  we  have  no  certain  information.  Eld. 
Taylor  alone  remains  of  the  fifteen  who  were  in  the 
Association  at  the  close  of  the  last  century. 

We  will  now  proceed  to  take  a  brief  view  of  the  labors 
and  privations  of  these  pious  men  and  worthy  champions  of 
the  cross.  An  extensive  circuit  became  the  lot  of  each  of 
these  men  ;  especially  of  the  three  first,  who,  being  the 
earliest  laborers  in  this  uncultivated  country,  were  counted 
as  leaders  in  this  glorious  enterprise,  and  were  regarded  as 
fathers  by  the  younger  men.  The  frequent  calls,  "  Come 
over,  and  help  us,"  from  the  little  clusters  of  saints  here  and 
there  in  the  wilderness,  subjected  them  to  frequent  journeys, 


OTSEGO   ASSOCIATION.  25 

in  which  they  had  to  encounter  many  obstacles  and  endure 
many  hardships  and  various  sufferings.  They  toiled  in  the  - 
cold  and  in  the  heat,  by  day  and  by  night,  traversing  the 
wilderness  from  one  solitary  dwelling  to  another,  by  marked 
trees  and  half-made  roads,  fording  dangerous  rivers,  and 
rapid  streams,  often  without  a  guide,  and  at  the  hazard  of 
their  lives.  They  suffered  much  from  hunger  and  thirst, 
and  frequently  had  to  pursue  their  journeys  through  bleak 
winds  and  storms  both  of  rain  and  snow,  to  meet  their 
appointments  and  administer  to  the  perishing  the  bi*8ad  of 
life.  The  afflictions  of  some  of  them  were  greatly  increased, 
and  their  tenderest  sympathies  often  excited,  by  the  privations 
and  sufferings  in  respect  even  to  the  necessaries  of  life  to 
which  their  families  were  subjected.  Sometimes,  in  their 
journeys,  on  sitting  down  at  the  tables  of  their  brethren,  to 
enjoy  their  hospitality,  a  recollection  of  the  sufferings  of 
their  families  at  home,  would  destroy  their  appetite,  and  fill 
them  with  grief.  They  could  receive  but  little  earthly 
reward,  the  country  being  new,  the  churches  small,  and  the 
people  hardly  able  to  support  themselves,  much  less  to  expend 
a  large  amount  on  the  preachers.  Added  to  these 
discouragements  was  another  of  greater  magnitude,  which 
arose,  as  has  been  stated,  from  the  frequent  intrusion  of  men 
of  corrupt  principles  and  practice.  These,  imagining  that 
the  state  of  the  country  was  favorable  to  their  sinister  views, 
not  only  journeyed,  but  in  some  instances  actually  removed 
and  settled,  in  the  vicinity  of  some  of  the  small  churches. 
Through  their  means  divisions  and  contentions  arose,  which 
called  for  councils,  which,  whatever  might  be  the  conduct  of 
other  brethren,  the  preacher  must  attend ;  and  when  he  had 
discharged  his  duty  by  bearing  testimony  against  their  evil 
conduct,  heavy  reflections  from  them  and  their  partisans 
were  the  consequences.  Yet  amid  all  these  discouragements, 
they  continued  their  exertions,  relying  on  Israel's  God. 
Jehovah  crowned  their  labors  with  abundant  success,  and 
comforted  their  souls  by  pouring  out  his  Holy  Spirit.  Those 
who  had  long  been  professors  of  religion  were  induced  to 
unite  in  church  relation ;  backsliders  were  reclaimed,  and 
sinners  converted  to  the  knowledge  of  the  truth.  Thus  the 
wilderness  and  solitary  place  were  made  glad  for  them,  and 
the  desert  began  to  rejoice,  and  blossom  as  the  rose. 


26  BAPTIST    MISSIONARY  CONVENTION. 

The  extent  of  the  Association  at  this  time  was  about  one 
hundred  and  forty  miles  from  east  to  west,  and  about  sixty 
from  north  to  south. 

The  first  Association  was  held  in  a  meeting-house,  built 
by  the  Baptists  and  Congregationalists,  in  Springfield  ;  the 
second  in  the  woods  ;  the  third  in  a  barn ;  and  the  fourth 
and  fifth  in  dv/elling-houses ;  and  in  all  these  places  the 
presence  of  the  Lord  more  than  supplied  the  want  of 
convenient  accommodations. 

Having  arrived  at  the  commencement  of  a  new  century, 
we  shall  now  proceed  to  give  a  brief  view  of  the  increase 
of  the  Association  until  the  division  in  1808,  when  the 
Madison  Association  was  formed  from  it. 

The  sixth  session  of  the  Otsego  Association  was  held  with 
the  first  church  in  Butternutts,  county  of  Otsego,  on  the  3d 
and  4th  of  Sept.,  1800,  in  a  dweUing-house.  Present  thirty- 
seven  churches,  fifteen  ministers ;  added,  329 ;  dismissed, 
69  ;  excluded,  23  ;  died,  10 ;  total,  1,764.  The  churches  of 
Floyd,  Norway,  and  Warren,  were  added.  Eld.  Phineas 
Holcomb,  of  Warren  church,  united  with  the  Association. 
The  sermon  was  by  Eld.  Lake,  from  Romans  v.  18. 

The  seventh  session  of  the  Otsego  Association  was  held  at 
W^hitestown,  Oneida  county,  2d  and  3d  of  Sept.,  1801. 
Sermon  by  Eld.  Root,  from  1  Peter  v.  5 :  "  Be  ye  clothed 
with  humility."  It  consisted  of  forty  churches  and  nineteen 
ministers.  Added,  264;  dismissed,  157  ;  excluded  37;  died, 
9';  total,2,031.  Churches ofCazenovia,I)eRuyter, Salisbury, 
Brookfield,  German  Flatts,  and  Deerfield,  were  added  this 
year.  Elds.  Nathan  Baker  and  Simeon  Brown  came  into 
the  Association.  Charlestown,  upon  their  request,  were 
dismissed  last  year,  to  unite  with  the  Rensselaerville  Asso- 
ciation. 

The  eighth  session  of  the  Otsego  Association  was  held  at 
Springfield,  county  of  Otsego,  on  the  1st  and  2d  of  Sept., 
1802.  Sermon  by  Eld.  Caleb  Blood,  from  Acts  xxvi.  24. 
Association  organized — an  account  taken  :  42  churches,  19 
ministers.  Added,  336  ;  dismissed,  78  ;  excluded,  34  ;  died, 
17 ;  omission  of  total.  Sherburne,  Steuben,  Homer,  and 
Herkimer,  churches,  added  this  session.  Aurelius  and  Scipio 
churches  dismissed  at  the  last  session,  to  unite  with  Cayuga 
Association,  which  was  constituted  in  1799.     Elds.  Daniel 


OTSEGO  ASSOCIATION.  27 

Robinson  and  Seba  Norton  received  at  this  session.  Wor- 
cester and  Milford  dismissed  at  the  eighth  session,  to  unite 
with  the  Rensselaerville  Association. 

Ninth  session  of  the  Otsego  Association  was  held  at 
Exeter,  county  of  Otsego,  7th  and  8th  of  Sept.,  1803. 
Sermon  by  Eld.  Parsons,  from  2  Cor.  iii.  6.  Association 
organized — following  account  taken :  churches,  45  ;  minis- 
ters,  16;  added,  282;  dismissed,  103;  excluded,  43  ;  died, 
11.  Total,  2,116.  2d  Butternuts,  Lisle,  Fabius,  and  2d 
Brookfield,  churches,  added  at  this  session.  Examined  and 
received  Eld.  Caleb  Douglass,  of  Whitestown  church. 

Tenth  session  of  the  Otsego  Association  was  held  at 
North  Norwich,  Chenango  county,  6th  and  7th  of  Sept,, 
1804.  Association  organized — sermon  by  Eld.  Elisha 
Ransom,  from  Gal.  ii.lO,  20—the  following  account  taken  ; 
churches,  46  ;  ministers,  16  ;  added,  213 ;  dismissed,  95  ; 
excluded,  37;  died,  12;  total,  2,334.  Westmoreland  church 
added  this  session.  Elds.  Vining  and  Hurlburt  received. 
Voted  to  recommend  to  the  churches  to  empower  their 
delegates  to  revise  the  constitution  at  the  next  session. 
Next  year  to  meet  at  Salisbury. 

The  eleventh  session  of  the  Otsego  Association  was  held 
at  Salisbury,  Herkimer  county,  4th  and  5th  of  Sept.,  1805. 
Association  organized — sermon  by  Eld.  Hosmer,  from  Col. 
iii.  1 — 4.  The  following  account  was  taken  :  churches,  50; 
ministers,  24;  added,  205;  dismissed,  99;  excluded,  47; 
died,  14 ;  total  2,622.  The  churches  received  this  session 
were  2d  Exeter,  2d  Herkimer,  3d  Cazenovia,  (now  Nelson,) 
Middleford,  and  Turin.  Received  this  session  the  church  in 
Brothertown — being  dissolved,  is  left  out  of  minutes.  Exam- 
ined and  received  as  ministers  Elds.  Asahel  Holcomb,  Obed 
Eddy,  Joy  Handy,  Jonathan  Hascall,  Simeon  Camp,  and 
Orange  Spencer — recommended  to  the  church  that  they 
carefully  examine  those  persons,  who  assume  to  be  ministers 
of  Jesus  Christ,  and  see  that  they  have  credentials  of  a  recent 
date.  Voted  not  to  alter  our  constitution — our  next  session 
to  be  held  with  the  2d  church  in  Litchfield,  now  Winfield, 
the  first  Wednesday  in  September  next,  at  10  o'clock,  A.  M. 

Twelfth  session  of  the  Otsego  Association,  held  at  Litch- 
field,  3dland  4th  Sept.,  1806.  Association  organized- 
sermon  by  Eld.  Lawton,  from  Psalm  xcvii.  1  :  "The  Lord 


23  BAPTIST   MISSIONARY  CONVENTION, 

reigneth,  let  the  earth  rejoice."  The  following  account  was 
taken  :  53  churches  ;  26  ministers  ;  added,  335  ;  dismissed, 
102;  excluded,  61;  died,  27  ;  total  3,903.  The  churches 
in  2d  Cazenovia,  (now  Fenner,)  German,  (now  Pitcher,)  3d 
Hamilton,  and  2d  Pompey,  (now  Delphi,)  added  this  session  ; 
also  received  Eld.  John  Peck.  Richfield  church  dropped 
from  the  minutes.  On  a  request  from  Turin  church,  appointed 
Brn.  Roots,  Butler,  Hanks,  Waldo,  and  Hicks,  to  attend  a 
conference  at  Champion,  for  forming  a  new  Association, 
Voted  to  recommend  to  the  churches  to  encourage  the  printing 
of  a  weekly  sheet  of  religious  intelligence.  Agreed  to  hold 
our  next  meeting  at  Hartwick,  on  the  first  Wednesday  of 
Sept.  next,  at  10  o'clock,  A.  M. 

Thirteenth  session  of  the  Otsego  Association,  held  at 
Hartwick,  Sept.  2  and  3,  1807.  Association  organized — 
sermon  by  Eld.  Salmon  Morton,  from  Proverbs  xxiv.  3,  4. 
The  following  account  was  taken  :  churches,  55  ;  ministers, 
28;  added,  481;  dismissed,  68;  excluded,  50;  died,  24; 
total,  3,265.  The  churches  of  Milford  and  4th  Butternutts 
added.  Examined  and  received  Elds.  Salmon  Morton,  Ora 
Butler,  and  Amos  Gill.  Voted  to  encourage  a  Baptist  printer, 
if  one  can  be  obtained.  Whereas,  a  number  of  the  churches 
in  the  western  part  of  this  Association  requested  to  be  set 
off  as  a  new  Association,  voted  that,  whenever  they  have 
formed  an  Association,  those  churches  belonging  to  this 
Association  shall  be  dropped  from  our  minutes.  Appointed 
Brn.  Vining,  Bostwick,  Robinson,  and  Spencer,  to  visit  them 
at  their  meeting  in  German,  (now  Pitcher,)  the  last  Wednes- 
day in  August  next.  The  following  were  the  churches  thus 
dismissed :  Cazenovia,  De  Ruyter,  Eaton,  Fabius,  German, 
(now  Pitcher,)  Hamilton,  Homer,  Lisle,  Madison,  Nelson,  2d 
Norwich,  1st  Pompey,  2d  Pompey,  (now  Delphi,)  Smithfield, 
Sherburne,  and  Westmoreland. 

Having  now  arrived  at  an  important  stage  in  the  history  of 
the  Otsego  Association,  we  would  take  a  retrospective  view  \ 
and  may  we  not  with  propriety  exclaim,  "  What  hath  God 
wrought"  withinthe  short  term  of  twelve  years  !  Truly,  the 
blessing  of  God  has  rested  on  the  habitation  of  Zion ;  and, 
notwithstanding  all  the  opposition  of  men  and  devils,  he  has 
preserved  and  multiplied  his  people,  and  given  them  a  goodly 
heritage.       What   a   contrast!     Compare    1795,  when  the 


OTSEGO   ASSOCIATION,  29 

Association  was  formed  of  thirteen  churches,  five  ministers, 
•and  four  hundred  and  twenty-four  members,  there  were  then 
in  the  country  two  more  churches,  containing  about  one 
hundred  and  twenty  members,  and  two  ministers,  making  in 
the  whole  about  fifteen  churches,  seven  ministers,  five 
hundred  and  forty  members,  in  all  this  extensive  territory. 
But  now,  in  1807,^there  are,  in  the  Otsego  Association,  fifty- 
five  churches,  twenty-eight  ministers,  and  three  thousand  two 
hundred  and  sixty-five  members.  Several  churches  have 
been  dismissed  to  join  other  Associations,  and  a  great  number 
of  ministers  have  gone  to  other  places,  beyond  the  bounds  of 
tiiis  Association.  Recently,  also,  sixteen  churches  have 
received  a  dismission  to  form  a  new  Association ;  and  yet 
there  remain  in  the  body  thirty-seven  churches.  God  has 
not  only  increased  their  number,  but  has  multiplied  their 
blessings.  How  different  are  the  circumstances  of  his  people, 
and  especially  of  the  ministers  !  Their  condition  is  greatly 
ameliorated  ;  yet  their  labors  are  abundant,  and  their  calls 
are  numerous,  not  only  in  their  immediate  vicinity,  but  to  the 
north,  south,  east,  and  west.  Settlements  are  made  with 
amazing  rapidity,  and  the  poor  destitute  people  are  uttering 
the  Macedonian  cry,  "  Come  over,  and  help  us  !" 


CONVENTION 


BAPlTST    MISSIONARY  CONVENTION    OF    THE    STATE  OF 
NEW    YORK. 

We  come  now  to  the  history  of  the  Baptist  Missionary 
Convention  of  the  State  of  New  York.  This  stream.|Which 
has  carried,  and  is  still  carrying,  the  waters  of  hfe  to  so 
many  ready  to  perish,  was  formed  by  the  union  of  several 
tributary  streams,  which  had  arisen  at  different  times  and 
places  in  various  parts  of  the  State.  We  begin  with  the 
Hamilton  Baptist  Missionary  Society. 

This  Society  was  formed  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  1807. 
The  population  of  the  country  had  greatly  increased ;  the 
settlements  were  very  much  extended  at  the  north,  and  in 
the  south  and  west,  and  the  demand  for  ministerial  labor  was 
proportionably  increased ;  so  that  it  was  out  of  the  power 
of  the  ministers  that  were  settled  to  supply  it.  Several 
faithful  and  pious  ministers  were  located  between  Cayuga 
lake  and  Genesee  river  ;  but  there  was  no  church  or  settled 
minister  west  of  that  river,  though  settlements  in  that  region 
were  rapidly  forming,  and  the  spiritual  w^ants  of  the  inhabi- 
tants  were  very  great.  But  whatever  minister  visited  them, 
had  to  encounter  all  the  trouble,  fatigue,  and  privation,  of  a 
new  country. 

Eld.  Elkanah  Holmes,  from  the  New  York  Missionary 
Society,  labored  several  years,  with  success,  among  the  Tus- 
carora  Indians,  and  preached  occasionally  to  the  white 
inhabitants  scattered  about  in  that  vicinity.  A  few  mission- 
aries, also,  from  the  Massachusetts  Baptist  Missionary  Society, 
and  Shaftsbury  Association,  had  visited  this  country,  and 
penetrated  as  far  as  Long  Point,  in  Upper  Canada,  and 
were  cheered  with  knowing  that  their  labors  were  blessed  of 
God  to  the  edification  of  saints  and  conversion  of  sinners. 
Among  these  missionaries,  Eld.  Lemuel  Covil  was  particu- 
larly  distinguished.     He  was  indeed  a  flaming  herald  of  the 


LAKE    BAPTIST   MISSIONARY  SOCIETY.  31 

•cross.  There  are  many  yet  living  who  cherish  for  him  a 
most  affectionate  and  grateful  remembrance.  He  now 
slumbers  in  the  dust  of  Canada,  at  CUnton,  where  he  was 
laboring  successfully  as  a  missionary,  and  whence  the  Master 
suddenly  called  him  from  his  toils  below  to  his  rest  above. 
He  died  universally  beloved  and  lamented- 

In  view  of  the  increased  population  of  the  country,  their 
indigent  circumstances  and  spiritual  wants,  and  the  multiplied 
calls  for  ministerial  labor,  a  number  of  the  friends  of  Zion 
met  at  Pompey,  in  the  county  of  Onondaga,  at  the  house  of 
Eld.  Nathan  Baker,  Aug.  27,  1807,  to  consider  the  propriety 
of  forming  a  society  for  the  prosecution  of  the  missionary 
enterprise  in  the  destitute  regions  around.  After  mature 
deliberations  on  the  subject,  a  constitution  was  presented  and 
unanimously  adopted.  The  Society  was  called  the  Lake 
Baptist  Missionary  Society,  as  it  was  expected  its  efforts 
would  be  directed  principally  to  what  was  called  the  lake 
country.  The  constitution  made  the  payment  of  one  dollar 
annually  requisite  to  membership.  At  the  formation  of  the 
Society  it  consisted  of  twenty  members.  Of  course,  it  com- 
menced its  operations  with  only  twenty  dollars  in  the  treasuryf! 
Thus,  in  weakness  and  with  much  fear  and  trembling,  was 
laid  the  foundation  of  that  fabric,  which  now,  through  the 
blessing  of  God,  commands  the  admiration  of  all  the  friends 
of  Zion.  Thus  were  the  first  dawnings  of  that  light,  which, 
like  the  sun,  is  shedding  widely  around  its  benign  influence. 

October,  28,  1807.  The  Society  met  at  the  house  of  Br. 
Elisha  Payne,  in  Hamilton.  The  following  persons  were 
chosen  as  its  officers  for  the  year  ensuing:  Eld.  Ashbel 
Hosmer,  Pres.  Eld.  Peter  P.  Roots,  Vice-Pres.  Elisha 
Payne,  Sec.  Dea.  Jonathan  Olmsted,  Treas.  Elds.  Elisha 
Ransom,  Salmon  Morton,  David  Irish,  John  Lawton,  Ora 
Butler,  and  Brn.  Simeon  Gillett,  Benj.  Pierce,  Thomas  Cox, 
Ebenezer  Wakely,  John  Keep,  Samuel  Payne,  and  Mr.  Oliver 
Brown,  Directors.  At  a  meeting  of  the  Board  at  Hamilton, 
Oct.  28, 1807,  it  was  resolved  to  appoint  Eld.  Salmon  Morton 
a  missionary  for  two  months,  the  ensuing  winter,  and  allow 
him  S4  per  week  for  his  services. 

At  a  subsequent  meeting  of  the  Board,  at  Hamilton,  Eld. 
Morton  made  a  report  of  his  missionary  tour  of  eight  weeks  ; 
in   which  time  he   traveled  to   the  Genesee  river,  and   the 


32  BAPTIST  MISSIONARY  CONVENTION^ 

Holland  Purchase,  which  was  then  looked  upon  as  the  "  far 
west."  In  his  report  he  said  "  he  was  received  with  great 
satisfaction  by  the  inhabitants  ;  and  that  many  of  the  people 
of  God  were  made  to  rejoice  in  the  privilege  of  hearing  the 
preaching  of  the  gospel  in  their  destitute  situation,  while 
many  blessings  were  bestowed  on  the  Society,  and  ardent 
prayers  addressed  to  God  forks  prosperity."  He  also  added, 
*'  It  was  enough  to  move  a  heart  of  stone^  to  witness  the 
expressions  of  joy  made  by  the  people  on  the  occasion.  But 
the  parting  scenes  were  peculiarly  interesting.  Nor  could 
he  witness  without  emotion  the  tears  that  were  shed,  and 
their  earnest  solicitations  for  a  continuance  of  like  favors, 
when,  giving  the  parting  hand,  and  exclaiming,  with  tears 
in  their  eyes,  "  Do  come  again.  Tell  the  Society  of  our 
destitute  situation,  and  request  them  to  remember  us."  Upon 
hearing  the  report  of  the  missionary,  the  Board  were  much 
animated — thanked  God,  and  took  courage.  Relying  on  the 
kind  assistance  of  Divine  Providence,  they  appointed  Eld. 
Elisha'  Ransom  a  missionary  for  four  weeks.  At  the  same 
time  several  brethren  in  Hamilton,  and  others,  made  such 
liberal  donations  to  the  Society,  that,  together  with  the 
annual  subscriptions,  there  was  found  in  the  treasury,  at  the 
annual  meeting  in  1808,  the  sum  of  $171. 

The  annual  meeting  of  the  Lake  Baptist  Missionary 
Society  was  held  at  German,  (now  Pitcher,)  Aug.  30,  1808. 
Eld.  Ora  Butler,  moderator ;  John  Lawton,  clerk.  Proceeded 
to  choose  the  officers.  Eld.  Ashbel  Hosmer,  Pres.  Elisha 
Payne,  Sec.  Dea.  Jonathan  Olmsted,  Treas.  Samuel 
Payne,  Thomas  Cox,  Wm.  Durfee,  Eld.  Ora  Butler,  Salmon 
Morton,  Ebenezer  Wakely,  John  Pecli,  and  James  Purdy, 
Directors.  Resolved  to  change  the  name  of  the  Society, 
and  to  alter  the  constitution  so  as  to  read  as  follows  : 

CONSTITUTION. 

Art.  1.  This  Society  shall  be  known  by  the  name  of  the 
«  Hamilton  Baptist  Missionary  Society." 

Art.  2.  The  Society  shall  be  composed  of  those  who 
subscribe  to  this  constitution,  and  pay  in  advance  at  least  one 
dollar  to  its  funds,  and  also  one  dollar  annually. 

Art.  3.  The  object  of  this  Society  shall  be  to  send  the 
g0spel,'aDd  other  meaas  of  promoting  the  knowledge  of  God, 


HAMILTON  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY.  33 

among  such  of  our  fellow-creatures  as  are  destitute ;  and  that 
either  stationary  or  occasional,  as  prudence  may  dictate  or 
funds  admit. 

Art.  4.  The  members,  at  their  annual  meetings,  shall 
appoint,  by  ballot,  a  President,  Secretary,  Treasurer,  and 
eight  Directors.  The  President,  Secretary,  Treasurer,  and 
five  of  the  Directors,  shall  be  members  in  good  standing  in 
some  regular  Baptist  church.  These  eleven  officers  shall 
compose  a  Board,  of  which  the  President  shall  be  the  chair- 
man and  the  Secretary  clerk. 

Art.  5.  The  President,  by  the  consent  of  the  majority  of 
the  Directors,  who  constitute  a  quorum,  shall  have  power  to 
call  a  meeting  of  the  Society  whenever  it  shall  appear  to  him 
necessary ;  also,  as  chairman  of  the  Board,  he  shall  have 
power,  at  his  discretion,  to  call  a  meeting  of  the  Board. 
And  it  shall  be  his  duty  to  call  a  meeting  of  the  Board  when- 
ever requested  by  three  members. 

Art.  6.  The  chairman,  with  five  other  members  of  the 
Board,  shall  form  a  quorum  to  do  business :  in  case  of  the 
chairman's  absence,  any  six  members. 

Art.  7.  The  Board  shall  have  power  to  apply  the  funds 
of  the  Society  according  to  their  discretion,  in  all  cases  in 
which  they  shall  not  be  restricted  by  the  special  direction  of 
the  Society. 

Art.  8.  They  shall  have  power  to  appoint  and  to  dismiss 
missionaries,  and  to  transact  all  other  necessary  business, 
during  the  recess  of  the  Society. 

Art.  9.  The  Board  shall  annually  exhibit  to  the  Society  a 
particular  account  of  the  missionaries  employed — the  places 
where  they  have  been  stationed,  or  to  which  they  have  been 
sent — their  prospect  of  success — also,  the  state  of  the  funds — 
receipts  and  expenditures — and  whatever  else  relates  to  the 
institution. 

Art.  10.  The  Treasurer  shall  exhibit,  both  to  the  Society 
and  Board,  the  state  of  the  treasury,  whenever  called  upon 
for  that  purpose. 

Art.  11.  The  Secretary  shall  correctly  and  fairly  trans- 
cribe and  record  the  proceedings,  both  of  the  Society  and 
Board,  in  a  book  furnished  by  the  Society. 

Art.  12.  In  order  more  effectually  to  aid  the  intentions  of 
the  Society,  a  subscription  shall  be  kept  open  for  the  benefit 
3* 


34  BAPTIST   MISSIONARY  CONVENTiaN, 

of  its  funds;  that  all  who  are  disposed  may  do  something  to 
promote  so  laudable  an  undertaking. 

Art.  13.  The  annual  meetings  of  the  Society  shall  be 
holden  on  the  day  before  the  meetings  of  the  Madison  Asso- 
ciation ;  or  at  such  time  or  place  as  the  Society  shall  appoint. 

Art.  14.  The  Society  shall  have  power,  at  their  annual 
meeting,  to  make  such  alterations  and  additions  as  experience 
may  dictate. 

Art.  15.  Any  member  of  this  Society,  who  wishes  to 
discontinue  his  membership,  upon  paying  up  his  dues  shall 
be  dismissed. 

In  the  years  1809,  1810,  1811,  the  Society  continued  its 
operations,  and  as  its  funds  were  increasing,  it  was  enabled, 
during  that  period,  to  send  out  the  following  persons  as  mis- 
sionaries : 

Elds.  Salmon  Morton,  Elisha  Ransom,  Joel  Butler,  Ashbel 
Hosmer,  Hezekiah  Eastman,  John  Lawton,  John  Peck,  Alfred 
Bennett,  Nathan  Baker,  and  Jonathan  Ferris,  who  performed 
their  several  tours  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  Board,  and  the 
abundant  joy  of  those  whom  they  visited,  and  to  whom  they 
administered  the  word  of  life. 

In  the  beginning  of  the  year  1811  the  Society  met  with  a 
severe  loss,  in  the  death  of  Eld.  Oi  a  Butler,  of  Westmoreland, 
son  of  Eld.  Joel  Butler.  He  was  a  prominent  and  useful 
member  both  of  the  Society  and  its  Board.  No  minister  of  his 
age  in  the  country  possessed  greater  talents,  learning,  prudence, 
piety,  or  influence.  Hence  great  expectations  were  raised  of 
his  future  usefulness  in  the  church,  as  he  was  sound  in  the 
doctrine  of  the  gospel,  and  an  able  minister  of  the  New 
Testament.  But  it  pleased  the  Lord  to  call  him,  in  the  midst 
of  his  usefulness,  to  rest  from  his  labors,  to  the  great  grief  of 
the  church  of  which  he  was  pastor,  and  of  his  numerous 
brethren  and  friends.  He  died  in  the  40th  year  of  his  age. 
The  following  was  found  in  the  minutes  of  the  Madison 
Association  for  1811 ;  "Since our  last  meeting  it  has  pleased 
a  righteous  God  to  call  us  to  mourning.  Our  dear  brother, 
Ora  Butler,  has  been  called  from  this  militant  state  to  join, 
as  we  humbly  trust,  the  saints  in  glory.  He  died  January 
16,  1811.  This  is  the  first  instance  in  which  we  have  been 
called  to  witness  the  seat  of  any  of  our  brethren  in  the  min- 


HAMILTON    MISSIONARY  SOCIETY.  35 

istiy  vacated  by  death  since  the  formation  of  the  Otsego 
Association.  He  died  of  a  painful  disorder j  but  his  soul 
appeared  full  of  glory.  He  left  a  striking  proof  of  the 
power  of  Divine  grace  to  comfort  and  support  in  a  dying 
hour.     'The  memory  of  the  just  is  blessed !'  " 

The  sixth  annual  meeting  was  held  in  North  Norwich, 
Sept.,  1812.  The  reports  of  the  missionaries,  which  were 
very  cheering,  were  read,  and  it  appeared  that  the  Lord  had 
greatly  blessed  their  labors  to  the  comfort  of  many  in  the 
wilderness.  The  state  of  the  funds  was  very  encouraging. 
Yet,  notwithstanding  the  cheering  accounts  from  the  mis- 
sionaries, and  the  pleasing  state  of  the  funds,  the  Society 
was  again  called  to  deep  mourning,  on  account  of  the  mys- 
terious dispensation  of  Divine  Providence,  in  removing,  by 
death,  its  President,  Eld.  Ashbel  Hosmer,  who  departed  this 
hfe  in  the  fifty-fourth  year  of  his  age.  He  had  filled  that 
office  since  the  organization  of  the  Society,  and  did  much  in 
directing  its  operations.  Notwithstanding  the  bereavement 
they  had  met  with  in  the  removal  of  this  good  man,  trusting 
in  the  Lord,  the  brethren  were  encouraged  to  move  forward. 
Accordingly,  they  proceeded  to  choose  the  folloAving  brethren 
as  a  Board  for  the  year  ensuing,  viz.  Eld.  John  Peck, 
Pres.  Eld.  Joseph  Coley,  Sec.  Dea.  Warner  Goodell, 
Treas.  Elds.  John  Lawton,  Alfred  Bennett,  John  Upfold, 
Roswell  Beckwith,  Jonathan  Ferris,  Nathan  Baker,  Daniel 
Hascall,  and  Br.  Thomas  Cox,  Directors. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Board,  Feb.  19,  1812,  a  circumstance 
occurred  which  gave  great  encouragement  to  the  Board,  as  it 
appeared  a  signal  of  Divine  Providence,  to  beckon  them 
forward  in  their  holy  enterprise.  Mrs.  Betsey  Payne  and 
Mrs.  Freedom  Olmsted  were  introduced  as  a  committee  from 
the  Hamilton  Female  Society,  and  presented  the  following 
letter : 

"  To  the  Directors  of  the  Hamilton  Baptist  Missionary  Society  : 
"  Brethren — Being  sensible  of  the  lost  situation  into  which 
the  human  family  have  plunged  themselves  by  the  fall,  and 
that  the  only  way  of  their  recovery  is  through  faith  in  the 
Redeemer,  and  that  it  has  pleased  God,  by  the  foolishness  of 
preaching,  to  save  them  that  believe,  and  that  faith  comes 
by  hearing,  and  hearing   by  the  word  of  God,  and  being 


36  BAPTIST   MISSIONARY  CONVENTION. 

instructed  that  they  that  preach  the  gospel  shall  live  of  the 
gospel,  we  have  thought  it  our  duty  to  assist  you  in  your 
laudable  efforts  to  disseminate  the  gospel  among  the  destitute  ; 
for  which  purpose  we  present  you  with  twenty  yards  of  fulled 
cloth,  and  wish  you  to  receive  it,  and  dispose  of  it  for  the 
above  purpose.  And  may  the  great  Head  of  the  church 
increase  our  zeal,  and  bless  your  endeavors  for  the  advance- 
ment of  his  kingdom. 

"  By  order,  and  in  behalf,  of  the  Hamilton  Female  Baptist 
Missionary  Society,  "Freedom  Olmsted, 

"Betsey  Payne." 

This  was  the  first  Female  Society  formed  in  this  part  of 
the  country ;  but  the  noble  example  was  soon  followed  by  the 
formation  of  similar  societies  in  Cazenovia,  Fabius,  and 
German :  so  that  the  above  societies  presented  to  the  Board, 
in  Feb.,  1814,  in  articles  of  their  own  manufacture,  the  sum 
of  8148. 

In  1812  the  Board  voted  to  appoint  missionaries  for  the 
ensuing  year,  for  the  term  of  twenty-five  weeks. 

The  seventh  annual  meeting  of  the  Hamilton  Baptist 
Missionary  Society  was  holden  at  Homer,  Sept.,  1813. 
Reports  from  the  missionaries  appointed  for  the  last  year 
were  so  encouraging,  as  to  induce  the  Board  to  make 
appointments  for  the  term  of  thirty  weeks  for  the  year  ensu- 
ing.  We  shall  now  proceed  to  give  extracts  from  the  reports 
of  missionaries,  and  other  interesting  documents. 


JOURNALS    OF   MISSIONARIES. 


EXTRACTS    FROM  ELD.    HEZEKIAH    EASTMAN'S    JOURNAL    OF  A 
TOUR  TO  THE  WESTWARD. 

September  22,  1809,  I  set  out  on  a  missionary  tour  to  the 
Holland  Purchase.  On  the  28th  attended  the  Cayuga  Asso- 
ciation— an  agreeable  season.  On  the  30th  came  to  the 
Holland  Purchase,  and  met  with  Eld.  Butler,  who  informed  me 
that  a  council  was  to  meet  at  Chautauque  lake,  to  constitute 
a  church  and  ordain  a  minister.  October  5th,  I  had  to  pass 
the  nine  mile  woods,  with  only  a  foot-path  and  marked  trees. 
It  was  very  cloudy ;  night  came  on,  and  I  soon  lost  my  way — • 
wandered  about  in  the  rain,  till  at  last  I  gave  up  all  hopes  of 
finding  my  way  out.  I  then  tied  my  horse,  and  walked 
about  to  avoid  suffering  with  the  cold,  till  about  midnight ; 
when  the  clouds  seemed  to  break  away  a  little,  and  had  some 
more  light.  I  then  tried  to  steer  my  way  through  the  wood, 
leading  my  horse  and  feeling  my  way.  It  however  soon 
became  dark  as  ever,  with  wind  and  rain,  and  was  exceed- 
ingly cold.  I  still  kept  creeping  on,  expecting  that  I  must 
perish.  At  length  I  thought  that  God  is  in  the  wilderness, 
and  a  present  help  in  time  of  trouble.  I  felt  encouraged  to  put 
my  trust  in  him.  At  length,  directed  by  a  kind  Providence, 
I  came  to  a  house.  On  the  next  day  came  to  the  lake,  and 
with  great  difficulty  passed  round  the  point.  The  wind  and 
waves  were  so  high,  and  I  was  so  wet  and  cold,  that  I  thought 
I  must  perish ;  but  after  riding  eight  miles  in  this  condition, 
I  came  to  a^house,  got  some  refreshment,  and  then  rode  to 
Canadaway,  and  met  Elds.  Butler  and  Handy.  On  the  8th 
came  to  the  place  where  the  council  was  to  meet.  On  the 
10th  the  council  met;  a  number  of  brethren  and  sisters  pre- 
sented  themselves,  and  after  due  examination  received  fellow- 
ship as  a  church. 

The  church  then  presented  Br.  Jones  as  a  candidate  for 


38  BAPTIST    MISSIONARY  CONVENTION. 

ordination.  After  due  examination,  agreed  to  set  him  apart 
to  the  work  of  the  ministry.  Elds.  Root,  Butler,  Handy,  and 
myself,  assisted  in  the  ordination.  The  season  was  delight- 
ful. 

On  the  17th  returned  to  Canadaway — found  Elds.  Butler 
and  Handy,  the  brethren  here  desiring  us  to  meet  with  them, 
to  examine  into  their  standing. 

On  the  18th  met  with  the  brethren,  and  gave  them  fellow- 
ship as  a  church. 

I  then  continued  itinerating  from  place  to  place,  preaching, 
exhorting,  and  warning,  as  I  had  opportunity,  until  the  15th 
of  November,  when  I  set  out  on  my  return  home.  On  the 
18th  came  to  Phelpstown,  where  was  a  revival  of  religion. 
I  then  continued  my  journey ;  and  on  the  28th  arrived  in 
safety  at  my  own  house,  and  found  my  family  and  friends  in 
good  health.  I  feel  that  the  Lord  has  been  with  me  while 
traveling  through  the  desert  and  visiting  the  scattered 
inhabitants  of  this  wilderness. 


TOUR    OF   ELD.  JOHN    PECK. 

To  the  President  and  Directors  of  the  Hamilton  Missionary 
Society : 

Dear  Brethren — Agreeably  to  the'appointment  I  received 
from  you,  I  left  my  family,  and  the  dear  people  of  my  charge, 
June  5,  1810,  and  set  out  on  my  tour  to  the  west.  I 
preached  at  different  places  until  I  arrived  at  Eld.  Irish's,  in 
Aurelius,  where  I  preached  in  the  evening,  and  received  much 
instruction,  both  as  to  the  country  and  people  where  I  was 
going.  Next  day  rode'  to  Phelps,  and  the  next  day,  being 
Lord's  day,  preached  to  a  crowded  and  solemn  assembly. 
On  Monday  I  designed  to  pursue  my  journey,  but  by  the 
request  of  Eld.  Wisner  and  the  church  I  staid  and  attended 
the  ordination  of  Br.  William  Roe,  one  of  their  members. 
I  preached  in  the  vicinity  daily  until  the  council  met. 
Thursday,  June  14,  the  ordination  of  Br.  Wm.  Roe  was 
attended  in  the  following  manner :  I  tried  to  preach  on  the 
occasion,  from  Psalm  cxxvi.  6  ;  Eld.  Jeremiah  Irons  offered 
the  ordaining  prayer,  and  laid  on  hands  with  Elds.  Wisner 
and  Shays;  Eld.  Solomon  Goodell  gave  the  charge;  Eld. 


JOURNALS  OF  MISSIONARIES.  39 

Samuel  Messenger  the  hand  of  fellowship ;  Eld.  Daniel  Irons 
made  the  concluding  prayer.  The  exercises  appeared  to  he 
attended  with  the  smiles  of  Heaven. 

From  thence  I  pursued  my  journey  and  preached  in  Gorham, 
Palmyra,  Bloomfield,  and  Livonia.  In  Avon  I  called  on  Eld. 
Wm.  Furman,  that  aged  father  in  the  gospel,  and  the  season 
was  agreeable  to  me.  He  still' appears  to  be  engaged  in  the 
service  of  his  Divine  Master,  and  though  he  has  been  called 
to  pass  through  a  scene  of  trials,  yet  he  appears  to  be  wor- 
shiping, leaning  on  the  top  of  his  staff.  I  parted  with  him, 
and  rode  to  Batavia — ^preached  in  the  evening  at  the  court- 
house.  Next  morning  visited  the  prisoners  :  some  of  them 
were  confined  for  passing  counterfeit  money,  and  one  for 
murder.  I  gave  as  good  advice  as  I  was  able  ;  I  tried  to 
demonstrate,  from  the  confinement  they  here  justly  suffered, 
the  prison  mankind  are  in  by  nature,  and  to  show  that  Christ 
is  the  only  door  to  liberty ;  and  as  they  expected  to  have 
their  trial  shortly,  so  they,  with  all  mankind,  must  be  tried  at 
the  bar  of  God ;  and  if  not  prepared  by  grace,  they  must 
sink  beneath  the  grave,  into  that  prison  where  there  is  no 
hope  of  reprieve.  After  this  conversation  I  tried  to  pray 
with  them ;  some  of  them  appeared  much  aflfected.  After 
receiving  their  thanks  for  my  visit  I  parted  with  them. 

I  then  calculated  to  go  directly  to  Buffalo,  and  rode 
thirteen  miles.  As  I  got  through  the  eight  mile  woods,  I 
came  out  to  a  little  settlement  of  three  families,  and  by  their 
request  I  preached  a  sermon  to  them ;  and  I  believe  the 
Lord  was  present.  I  had  the  whole  settlement  together,  and 
one  traveler,  which  made  ten  souls,  and  they  all  seemed  to 
listen  as  for  eternity.  I  then  rode  five  miles,  and  providen- 
tially put  up  with  a  Baptist  brother  for  the  night ;  and  by 
request  pyeached  the  next  morning  to  a  solemn  assembly.  I 
thought  then  to  pursue  my  journey,  and  took  leave  of  the 
family,  leaving  them  in  tears,  and  went  a  half  a  mile  to  take 
some  refreshment.  Here  a  number  of  the  neighbors  had 
collected  together,  and  solicited  me  to  tarry  longer.  Of  the 
number,  two  women  desired  to  go  forward  in  the  ordinance 
of  baptism.  I  thought,  truly,  the  Lord  had  more  work  for 
me  here.  I  consented  to  spend  the  next  Lord's  day  with 
them,  and  to  preach  to  them  on  Saturday,  at  10  o'clock  ;  then 
rode  six  miles  to  a  new  settlement,  and  found  two  brethren 


40  BAPTIST    MISSIONARY  CONVENTION. 

and  a  few  sisters.  They  had  agreed  to  meet  each  Lord's 
day  for  the  worship  of  God;  they  seemed  to  rejoice  to  see 
me  come  to  visit  them  in  their  lonely  situation ;  there  had 
been  but  one  sermon  preached  in  the  place  by  a  Baptist,  and 
that  by  old  Eld.  Niles,  of  Sempronius.  The  next  day  the 
settlement  came  together,  and  I  tried  to  preach  to  them,  and 
think  it  was  a  comfortable  season  to  my  soul ;  and  it  appear- 
ed to  be  to  others.  The  next  day  returned  to  the  afore- 
mentioned appointment,  and  preached  at  10  o'clock,  A.  M., 
to  a  crowded  assembly.  After  the  meeting  closed,  the  two 
women  before  mentioned,  and  a  young  man,  came  forward, 
and  related  what  the  Lord  had  done  for  their  souls.  After 
this  I  requested  that  if  any  one  had  anything  on  their  minds 
to  communicate,  they  would  embrace  the  opportunity.  I 
think  there  were  upwards  of  a  dozen  that  spoke,  the  most 
of  them  being  Baptist  professors.  The  season  was  glorious ; 
and  it  seemed  that  the  Lord  was  there  in  very  deed. 

Lord's  day,  June  24,  I  preached  to  the  people  assembled 
in  a  grove,  there  being  no  house  sufficiently  large  to  hold 
them.  At  the  close  I  baptized  three  persons,  the  first  that 
were  baptized  in  this  part  of  the  country.  It  was  a  solemn 
scene,  and  saints  and  sinners  seemed  alike  affected. 

June  25,  rode  to  Buffalo,  and,  at  the  desire  of  the  people, 
preached  in  the  court-house.  Next  day  rode  to  Eighteen 
Mile  creek,  and  preached  in  different  places  five  times  ;  and 
as  the  attention  and  wish  of  the  people  appeared  so  urgent, 
I  agreed  to  spend  three  days  with  them  the  next  week.  I 
returned  to  Buffalo,  and  on  Lord's  day  I  delivered  two  sermons 
in  the  court-house.  The  people  gave  good  attention,  and 
appeared  to  be  thankful  for  the  visit.  On  Monday  returned 
to  Eighteen  Mile  creek,  and  preached  to  the  people,  who  had 
assembled  in  a  grove.  We  then  repaired  to  the  water-side, 
and  after  singing  a  hymn,  and  solemn  prayer  to  God,  I 
baptized  a  woman.  The  Lord  evidently  graced  his  ordinance 
at  this  time  with  his  divine  presence.  After  this  I  preached 
three  times  before  I  left  the  neighborhood,  and  every  meeting 
appeared  to  be  attended  with  some  token  of  Divine  approba- 
tion. The  people,  notwithstanding  the  busy  season  of  the 
year,  and  the  roughness  of  the  roads,  would  travel  some  even 
ten  miles  on  foot,  to  hear  the  word  of  God  proclaimed  by 
such  a  feeble  instrument.     On  Thursday  returned  to  Buffalo, 


JOURNALS    OF   MISSIONARIES.  41 

and  preached  to  a  solemn  assembly  ;  then  rode  to  Clarence, 
and  on  Saturday,  as  I  had  agreed,  met  with  the  brethren  in 
conference.  I  advised  them,  when  here  before,  to  meet  in 
conference,  and  gain  acquaintance  as  to  their  standing,  ideas 
of  doctrine,  practice,  &;c.,  and  try  to  maintain  the  worship 
of  God.  They  met  at  1  o'clock,  P.  M.  ;  the  meeting  being 
opened,  they  related  their  Christian  experience,  convei-sed  on 
articles  of  faith,  practice,  and  a  covenant ;  and  there  was  a 
happy  agreement.  Then  five  persons  came  forward,  and 
related  what  the  Lord  had  done  for  their  souls,  and  wished  to 
be  baptized.     It  was  a  joyful  time. 

Lord's  day,  July  8,  I  preached  to  a  crowded  assembly,  some 
of  whom  came  from  a  distance  of  twenty  miles.  One  man 
came  forty  miles  for  the  purpose  of  attending  the  meeting. 
In  the  afternoon  I  preached  to  the  youth ;  and  a  more  solemn 
attention  I  never  witnessed.  At  the  close  we  repaired  to 
the  water,  three  miles  distant,  where  I  baptized  five  persons, 
three  males  and  two  females.  It  was  a  continued  scene  of 
solemnity.  On  Monday  I  thought  of  setting  out  for  home, 
but  duty  called  me  to  stay  another  day.  At  10  o'clock,  A. 
M.,  I  met  the  brethren  and  sisters  in  conference,  and  we  had 
an  agreeable  interview.  Twenty-one  brethren  and  sisters 
covenanted  together  to  maintain  the  worship  of  God.  What 
a  beautiful  sight  in  this  wilderness  !  At  2  o'clock  in  the 
afternoon  the  people  assembled  for  public  worship,  and  I 
preached  to  them.  I  was  now  called  to  pass  through  a 
solemn  scene.  I  had  formed  a  short  but  an  agreeable  acquain- 
tance,  but  now  we  must  part.  I  took  an  affectionate  leave 
of  them,  not  expecting  to  see  them  again.  Many  tears  were 
shed.  Oh  !  how  my  soul  felt  to  leave  them  ! — a  little  handful 
of  brethren  and  sisters,  like  sheep  without  a  shepherd  in  this 
wilderness  ;  some  of  them  living  ten  miles  apart,  and  no  one 
to  go  before  them  as  an  under-shepherd.  This  passage  of 
truth,  however,  comforted  me  :  "  He  shall  feed  his  flock  like 
a  shepherd,  he  shall  gather  the  lambs  with  his  arm,  and  carry 
them  in  his  bosom."  I  thought  I  could  leave  them  in  the 
hand  of  Him  that  hath  said,  "  I  will  never  leave  thee  nor 
forsake  thee."  Next  day  I  set  out  for  home,  and  on  Saturday, 
July  14,  returned  safely  to  my  family,  and,  through  the  good- 
ness of  God,  found  them  in  good  health. 

From  the  time  when  I  left  home,  until  my  return,  was  five 
4 


42  BAPTIST    MISSIONARY    CONVENTION, 

weeks  and  four  days,  in   which   time  I   traveled  about  five 
hundred  and  fifty  miles,  attended  one  council,  one  ordination, 
four  conferences,  baptized  nine  persons,  and  tried  to  preach 
thirty-six  times.     I  have  been  blessed  with  health,  and  think 
I  have  enjoyed  some  small  share  of  that  peace  which  the 
world  can  not  give  nor  take  away  ;  and,  though  I  traveled 
alone,  the  way  did  not  seem  long,  nor  the  time  disagreeable, 
I  subscribe  myself,  through  the  grace  of 
God,  your  unworthy  brother  and 
servant  in  the  Lord, 

John  Peck. 


ELD.  ALFRED  BENNETT  S  MISSIONARY  TOtJR. 

On  the  24th  of  Sept.,  1810,  Eld.  Alfred  Bennett,  of  Homer, 
agreeably  to  an  appointment  from  the  Society,  set  out  on  a 
missionary  tour  to  the  westward.  On  the  29th  he  arrived 
at  a  settlement  on  the  Canesius  lake,  in  the  southwest  corner 
of  Livonia — preached  in  the  evening  to  a  number  of  people 
with  some  freedom.  The  next  day,  being  Lord's  day,  he 
preached  to  a  numerous  assembly.  At  the  close  of  the 
meeting  a  female  came  forward,  and  gave  a  relation  of 
her  experience,  and  desired  baptism.  He  administered  the 
holy  ordinance ;  and,  it  being  the  first  time  baptism  was 
administered  in  that  place,  it  was  a  solemn  and  a  joyful  time. 
At  the  water,  every  countenance  seemed  fixed  in  solemn 
attention  on  the  scene,  while  many  faces  were  wet  with  tears. 

From  thence  he  passed  on  to  the  north  part  of  Caledonia, 
and  found  a  few  believers,  but  in  a  cold  state.  From  thence 
he  rode  to  Clarence,  where  Br.  John  Peck  had  organized  a 
conference  the  July  before.  Here  he  continued  nine  days, 
visiting  from  house  to  house,  and  preaching  daily.  His 
interview  with  the  brethren  in  that  place  was  agreeable. 
He  baptized  one  person  ;  two  or  three  others  were  under 
strong  exercises  of  mind,  and  one  young  lady  obtained  relief 
while  he  was  there.  From  thence,  on  the  15th  of  Oct.,  he 
rode  to  Eighteen  Mile  creek  on  Lake  Erie,  and  found  a  goodly 
number  of  professors,  scattered  like  sheep  without  a  shepherd. 
He  spent  eight  days  in  three  several  townships,  preaching 
and  visiting.  Eighteen  persons  united  in  covenant  to  main- 
tain gospel  order  among  themselves.  It  was  a  solemn  and 
joyfUA.time — some  mourning,  some  rejoicing. 


JOURNALS    OF   MISSIONARIES.  43 

He  then  passed  on  to  the  middle  branch  of  the  Buffalo 
creek,  and  enjoyed  some  dehghtful  seasons  with  Christians 
scattered  here  and  there  in  this  vicinity.  A  few  collected  in 
conference  with  a  view  to  maintain  the  cause  of  the  Redeemer 
among  themselves.  Taking  leave  of  them,  he  rode  to  the 
ninth  town,  on  the  fourth  range.  Here  was  a  small  church 
in  destitute  circumstances,  yet  comfortably  united.  He 
preached  with  them,  and  then  rode  to  Allen's  creek,  tenth 
township,  first  range.  Here  was  a  small  church  engaged  in 
religion,  but  greatly  needed  assistance.  Parting  with  them, 
he  went  to  a  neighboring  settlement  on  the  ninth  township. 
Here  the  Lord  was  doing  a  marvelous  work.  Two  were 
baptized  by  Eld.  Irish.  He  then  returned  home,  after  having 
been  absent  seven  weeks  and  three  days,  and  rode  five  hun- 
dred miles,  preached  fifty-seven  times,  attended  one  association, 
three  conferences,  two  funerals,  and  baptized  two  persons. 


TOUR  OF  ELD.  NATHAN  BAKER. 

On  the  23d  of  May,  1811,  Eld.  Nathan  Baker  set  out  on 
a  missionary  tour  to  the  westward.  On  the  28th  he  arrived 
at  Warsaw,  on  the  Holland  Purchase.  Here  the  Lord  poured 
out  his  Spirit,  and  gathered  souls  into  his  kingdom :  about 
thirty  had  been  added  to  the  church  within  a  few  months. 
On  Lord's  day,  June  2,  he  preached  with  the  second  church 
in  Sheldon.  Here  he  found  a  number  of  agreeable  brethren, 
who  deserved  the  attention  of  the  missionaries.  June  5th  a 
conference,  consisting  of  Elds.  Osborn,  Handy,  and  Jones, 
with  delegates  from  seven  churches,  was  held  in  the  second 
church  in  Sheldon,  for  the  purpose  of  forming  a  conference 
of  churches.  The  season  was  delightful ;  it  seemed  to  present 
to  view  an  earnest  of  the  glorious  spread  of  the  Redeemer's 
kingdom  in  this  part  of  the  wilderness.  How  pleasing  to 
the  pious  soul,  to  see  the  various  obstacles  giving  way  to  the 
purposes  of  God  !  How  enlivening  the  prospect,  that  ere 
long  the  desolate  wilds,  which  now  resound  with  the  frightful 
yells  of  the  savage,  shall  become  vocal  with  the  praises  of 
God. 

He  then  continued  riding  and  preaching  until  June  18. 
He  preached   in   Willinck,  on  Eighteen  Mile  creek,   and 


44  BAPTIST   MISSIONARY   CONVENTION. 

baptized  a  female.  He  then  continued  preaching  from  place 
to  place,  and  saw  much  of  the  goodness  of  God.  Meetings, 
in  general,  were  very  solemn,  and  the  audience  very  much 
affected.  On  the  24th  he  left  the  Purchase,  on  his  return 
home  ;  and  continued  his  journey,  preaching  occasionally, 
until  July  1,  when  he  arrived  at  his  own  house,  having  been 
absent  forty  days,  and  found  his  family  in  health. 


AN  EXTRACT  FROM  ELD. 

On  the  12th  of  June,  1811,  I  left  home,  and  rode  to 
Homer,  where  I  met  with  Eld.  J.  Peck,  and  the  next  day  we 
rode  to  Virgil,  where  we  preached.  On  the  15th  we  came 
to  Br.  Doty's,  in  Caroline,  on  the  Owego  creek.  In  the 
evening  there  came  in  two  Africans,  who  were  slaves,  one  of 
them  about  forty  years  of  age,  and  member  of  a  Baptist 
church  in  Virginia  :  he  appears  to  be  much  engaged  in 
religion.  The  other  was  a  young  man  about  eighteen  years 
of  age,  newly  converted,  and  desirous  of  baptism.  He  gave 
a  satisfactory  relation  of  his  Christian  experience.  The 
interview  closed  with  prayer  by  the  young  slave,  who  appears 
to  be  the  Lord's  freeman. 

16th,  Lord's  day  morning  James,*  the  young  African, 
came  in  with  another,  whose  name  is  Abram,  and  who  was 
desirous  of  baptism,  and  gave  a  satisfactory  relation  of  his 
experience.  We  then  proceeded  to  the  school-house.  It 
being  rainy,  many  were  prevented  from  attending  ;  however, 
there  was  a  handsome  collection  of  people.  I  preached  in 
the  forenoon,  and  Br.  Peck  in  the  afternoon.  We  then 
repaired  to  Owego  creek,  because  there  was  much  water 
there,  and  Br.  Peck  went  down  into  the  water  with  the  can- 
didates, and  he  baptized  them  there  ;  and  when  they  came 
up  out  of  the  water,  the  candidates  went  away  rejoicing — 
a  most  pleasing  and  solemn  season  :  it  brought  to  mind  the 
ancient  prediction,  "  Ethiopia  shall  stretch  out  her  hands  unto 

*  His  proper  name  is  James  Ilaborn.  After  his  baptism  he  soon  mani- 
fested that  he  possessed  a  gift  that  would  be  useful  in  Zion.  After  a  suitable 
trial,  the  church  which  was  constituted  in  this  place  gave  him  a  license  to 
preach,  and  by  the  churches  assisting,  he  purchased  his  freedom.  After 
that  he  preached  for  a  season  to  the  colored  people  in  Troy  ;  and  has  for  a 
number  of  years  been  pastor  of  the  African  church  in  New  York. 


JOURNAXS    OF    MISSIONARIES.  45 

thee."  It  appears  that  God  hath  wrought  wonderfully  among 
these  slaves.  There  are  eighteen  of  them  ;  one  was  baptized 
last  winter,  and  there  was  a  young  woman  among  them  who 
desired  baptism,  but  could  not  obtain  permission  of  her  master. 
We  found  a  young  white  woman,  who  had  obtained  a  hope, 
and  was  convinced  of  believers'  baptism,  but  had  not  strength 
to  go  forward.  There  is  a  little  handful  of  believers,  say 
€ight  or  ten,  who  stand  in  need  of  assistance. 

On  the  17th  we  proceeded  on  our  journey  to  Candor. 
Here  we  found  a  little  church  in  tried  circumstances.  On 
the  18th  we  rode  to  Owego  village,  and  here,  with  regret,  I 
parted  with  Eld  Peck,  who  returned  homeward.*  I  then 
proceeded  on  my  way  alone,  preaching  every  day  until  the 
21st,  when,  being  afflicted  with  a  pleuretic  complaint,  I  was 
bled,  and  rode  to  Capt.  Harknes's,  in  Murraysfield,  a  settle- 
ment in  Smithfield,  Lycoming  Go*,  Penn.,  and  preached  in 
the  afternoon.  Being  very  much  indisposed,  I  tarried  until 
Lord's  day,  when  I  delivered  two  discourses  to  the  people 
collected.  I  think  I  never  saw  a  more  solemn,  attentive,  and 
affected,  'assembly,  than  here,  especially  in  the  afternoon ; 
when  the  eyes  and  ears  of  the  audience  seemed  to  be  opened, 
and  they  appeared  to  catch  every  word  with  avidity.  It 
was  truly  delightful  to  see  a  number  of  blooming  youth 
bathed  in  tears,  while  many  fathers  and  mothers  gave  testimony, 
by  their  weeping,  of  the  power  of  divine  truth*  Oh !  may 
God  in  mercy  bless  them,  and  may  these  hopeful  beginnings 
end  in  the  salvation  of  their  souls  and  the  glory  of  God  ! 
And  may  my  soul  be  enabled  to  praise  God  for  what  I  have 
seen  and  felt  this  day.  Though  I  was  much  indisposed,  and 
at  one  time  nearly  fainted  in  the  public  exercises,  yet  God 
upheld  me,  and  caused  my  soul  to  rejoice.  I  felt  an  unusual 
regret  in  leaving  this  agreeable  people.     The  professors  were 

*  He  preached  in  the  afternoon  at  the  village,  and  then  rode  to  Br.  Taylor's, 
and  preached  at  5  o'clock.  On  the  next  day  preached  to  a  large  col- 
lection of  people  at  Br.  Taylor's,  and  rode  to  Caroline,  preaching  by  the 
way.  At  this  place  a  large  assembly  convened,  to  whom  he  preached — 
ti  very  solemn  and  affecting  season.  A  few^  of  the  black  people  assembled, 
the  rest  not  being  permitted  to  meet  on  working  days.  It  is  worthy  of  notice, 
that  these  poor  slaves  held  a  prayer-meeting  every  Saturday  evening.  Next 
day  preached  at  Br.  Kingman's,  in  Virgil,  in  the  afternoon  at  Br.  John  J. 
Gee's,  likewise  in  Virgil,  and  the  next  day  returned  home,  having  been  absent 
twelve  days,  preached  fourteen  times,  and  baptized  two  persons. 
4* 


46  BAPTIST    3IISSI0NARY    CONVENTION. 

of  the  Presbyterian  order,  yet  very  desirous  to  be  remembered 
and  assisted  by  the  Society.  I  think  that  missionaries  would 
find  great  satisfaction  in  visiting  this  people. 

I  then  passed  on  to  Burlington,  Alba,  and  Sugar  creek,  in 

the  town  of  Tioga.     Here   I  tarried  two  days,   and  found 

eight  or  ten  professors,  but  in  very  destitute  circumstances. 

They  were  remote  from  any   church,  and  in  the  space  of 

eight   years    but    two   Baptist  ministers  had  visited   them. 

From  thence  I  rode   to   Burlington,  and  attended   church- 

meeting.     Met  the   two   Eld.    Rich's,  father   and  son,  who 

reside  at  this  place — had  a  very  agreeable  season — the  church 

in  unison.     Lord's  day,  30th,  I  preached  twice  and  attended 

communion.     There  were  between  fifty  and  sixty  communi- 

cants,  many  of  them  blooming  youth — had  a  very  comfortable 

season.     July   1st  I  left  Burlington — rode  down  Sugar  creek, 

and  passed  over  to  Tawanda  creek — preached  at  Br.  Crofut's 

— an  affecting  season — a  number  of  blooming  youth  in  tears. 

3d  of  July,  preached  at  Mr.  Wilcox's,  on  Tawanda.     Here 

were  two  young  women  that  were  at  meeting  yesterday,  and 

had  rode  seven  miles  this  day  to  attend  meeting.     I  then 

rode  to  the  mouth  of  Tawanda  creek — preached  in  the  school - 

house — had  an  agreeable  time.     I  then  crossed  the   Susque- 

hannah  river,  passed  up  the  Wysox  creek,  from  thence  to 

the  Wyalusing,  and  so  on   to   Bethany,  in  the   county  of 

Wayne — preached  twice  in  the  court-house  in  Bethany,  then 

returned  through  Hartford  to  the  town  of  Rush,  on  Wyalusing 

creek,  where  I  had  an  appointment — preached  to  a  solemn 

and   attentive  assembly.     I  then  returned    to   Wysox,  and 

preached  to  the  people.     Here  I    find  a  little    handful  of 

Baptist  professors,  but  no  church  within  twenty  miles  of  them. 

Indeed,    all    this    part  of  the    country    is    very  destitute   of 

preaching. 

On  the  13th  I  left  Wysox,  on  my  way  home,  and  came  to 
Candor ;  on  the  next  day  I  delivered  two  discourses  to  the 
people.  Here  I  had  the  pleasure  of  witnessing  some  of  the 
pleasing  effects  of  Br.  Peck's  preaching  in  this  place  on  his 
return  home.  This  church  has  passed  through  great  trials, 
and  have  excluded  a  number  of  its  members  on  account  of 
their  adherence  to  David  Jaynes,  and  his  odious  tenets.  On 
Monday  I  preached  twice — 16th  rode  to  Lisle — heard  Mr. 
Bull,  a  Presbyterian,  preach  the  funeral  sermon  of  a  young 


JOURNALS    OP   MISSIONARIES.  47 

man  that  was  killed  by  lightning.  On  the  19th  of  July  I 
returned  home,  and  found  all  well,  having,  in  the  space  of 
five  weeks  and  three  days,  traveled  four  hundred  and  twenty 
miles,  and  preached  thirty-seven  times.  The  country  through 
which  I  traveled  is  almost  entirely  destitute  of  the  preached 
gospel.  It  is  truly  affecting  to  see  with  what  avidity  many 
will  try  to  hear  the  word,  while  at  the  same  time  others  are 
lamenting  their  destitute  situation. 

I  remain,  dear  brethren,  your  unworthy 
brother  in  the  gospel  of  Christ, 

John  Lawton. 


EXTRACT  FROM  ELD.  ASHBEL  HOSMER's  LAST  TOUR. 

On  the  22d  of  October,  1811,  I  left  my  family,  and  set 
out  on  a  missionary  tour  to  the  westward,  preaching  as  I 
had  opportunity,  until  the  29th,  when  I  arrived  at  Clarence, 
on  the  Holland  Purchase.     On  the  30th  a  council  met  at  the 
house  of  Br.  Johnson,  for  the  purpose  of  ordaining  Br.  Bell. 
The  council,  after  due  examination,  agreed  to  unite  with  the 
church  in  setting  apart  Br.  Bell  to  the  work  of  the  ministry 
by  solemn  ordination.     I  preached  the  sermon,  and  assisted 
in  the  ordination,  together  with  Elds.  Furman,  Goodale,  and 
Gorton — a    very    comfortable    season.     I   then  returned  to 
Batavia,  and  proceeded  on  my  way,  preaching  in  Caledonia 
and  Riga,  until  the  5th  of  November,  when  I  arrived  at 
Genesee,  and  preached  near  Br.  White's.     On  the  6th,  in 
company  with  Br.  White,  set  out  for  Nunda.     This  day  rode 
thirty  miles,  through  the  most  barren  desert  that  I  ever  saw 
— passed  the  Genesee  river  about  dark.     Here  I  found  dear 
Br.  Goodale,  who  had  previously  arrived,  and  appointed  a 
meeting   at   Br.    Hammer's.     Here   is   a   new    settlement. 
Some  of  the  people  received  the  news  of  the   meeting   at 
sunset,  and  came,  both  men  and  women,  two  miles  and  a  half 
on  foot,  to  hear  preaching.     After  we  had  both  preached, 
went  two  or  three  miles,  and  between   12  and   1  o'clock 
obtained  some  refreshment. 

On  the  6th  I  set  forward,  accompanied  by  a  brother  who 
conducted  me  through  the  Indian  settlements.  We  crossed 
the  river.     I  then  proceeded  on  my  way,  through  exceeding 


48  BAPTIST    MISSIONARY   CONVENTION. 

bad  roads,  to  Candea  :  the  people  collected — I  preached,  and 
then  conversed  with  them  concerning  the  conduct  of  one 
Isaiah  Smith,  a  man  who  had  forfeited  his  character,  but  was 
preaching  and  baptizing  in  those  parts.  I  then  continued 
my  travels,  preaching  every  opportunity,  until  the  13th,  when 
I  arrived  at  Danville,  where  I  visited  a  sick  woman,  who 
appeared  just  departing,  but  enjoying  much  consolation.  On 
the  14th  I  rode  to  May  Mills,  in  Sparta ;  from  this  place  I 
rode  a  circle  of  one  hundred  miles,  and  have  found  but  one 
minister,  a  few  licensed  Methodists  excepted.  On  the  16th 
rode  to  Nunda,  and  on  the  next  day  returned  to  Br.  Ham- 
mer's, and  met  the  people,  some  of  whom  came  seven  or  eight 
miles  to  meeting.  I  preached  one  sermon,  then  baptized  a 
woman,  and  a  girl  fifteen  years  of  age — had  a  conference  to 
consult  on  the  expediency  of  forming  a  church.  On  the 
18th  rode  to  the  seventh  town,  first  range,  and  preached  at  1 
o'clock.  The  evening  was  taken  up  in  hearing  experiences. 
19th,  met  at  9  o'clock — preached  on  the  subject  of  baptism ; 
then  baptized  two  men,  one  female,  and  a  boy  fourteen  years 
of  age.  On  the  21st  rode  to  the  river,  and  met  the  people  in 
a  conference — agreed  on  sending  for  a  council  for  forming  a 
church  ;  then  heard  experiences  ;  then  repaired  to  the  water, 
and  baptized  five  males  and  two  females.  22d,  an  afflicting 
scene  in  parting.  I  then  rode  on,  preaching  and  exhorting, 
as  opportunity  offered,  until  the  25th,  when  I  arrived  at 
Naples,  at  the  head  of  the  Hemlock  lake.  Here  I  found 
twelve  families.  I  advised  them  to  set  up  meetings.  I  then 
proceeded  on  my  travels,  preaching  every  opportunity  ;  and 
on  Friday,  6th  of  December,  arrived  in  safety  at  my  own 
house  in  Hamilton,  having  been  absent  forty-five  days,  and 
preached  forty  times,  attended  one  council  and  ordination, 
three  conferences,  one  church-meeting,  and  baptized  eleven 
persons.  I  have  found  my  health  and  strength  increase.  I 
have  not  wanted  for  attentive  audiences.  And  what  good 
will  come  of  it,  I  must  leave  with  Him  who  is  infinite  in 
wisdom. 

I  remain,  dear  brethren,  your  affectionate 

brother  and  fellow-laborer  in  the  gospel 
of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 

AsHBEL  HOSMEK. 


JOURNALS    OF   MISSIONARIES.  49 

TOUR    OF    ELD.    JOHN    UPFOLD. 

To  the  President  and  Directors  of  the  Hamilton  Baptist 
Missionary  Society: 

Dearly  Beloved  Brethren — Agreeably  to  a  previous 
appointment,  I  have  lately  performed  a  mission  of  three  weeks. 
I  left  home  May  19th,  and  traveled  northward  as  far  as  Lake 
Ontario,  preaching  in  nearly  all  the  destitute  settlements  I 
could  find  in  my  way.  My  opportunities  of  preaching  were 
as  follows,  viz.  Twice  in  Manlius,  four  times  in  Camillus, 
seven  times  in  Lysander,  six  times  in  Hannibal,  once  in 
Volney,  once  at  Oswego  Falls,  and  six  times  in  Cicero ; 
making  in  the  whole  twenty-seven  sermons  which  I  delivered 
to  a  very  destitute  people.  During  my  mission  I  generally 
preached  with  freedom  of  mind,  and  my  hearers  appeared 
solemn,  and  in  some  instances  to  receive  the  word  gladly,  I 
believe  that  a  people  more  destitute  of  gospel  preaching  will 
scarcely  be  found  in  America ;  nor,  perhaps,  a  people  that 
will  treat  the  missionaries  with  greater  respect  than  those  to 
whom  I  have  been  preaching;  and  such  are  my  feelings  for 
them,  that  I  am  willing  to  make  them  another  missionary 
visit,  if  God  in  his  providence  will  permit. 

I  remain,  dear  brethren,  yours,  very  sincerely, 

John  Upfold. 

Fabius,  June  17,  1813. 

At  the  eighth  annual  meeting  of  the  Society,  holden  at 
Hamilton,  Sept.,  1814,  the  reports  of  the  missionaries  were  so 
pleasing,  that  the  Board  thanked  God,  and,  taking  courage, 
appointed  missionaries  for  forty  weeks. 

It  had  been  for  a  long  time  considered  highly  important 
that  a  religious  paper  should  be  established  for  the  benefit  of 
the  Baptist  denomination.  Several  resolutions  had  been 
passed  by  the  Otsego  Association  for  the  purpose.  But  no 
efficient  measures  were  adopted  to  effect  so  desirable  an 
object  until  April,  1814,  when  Elds.  Peter  P.  Root,  Daniel 
Hascall,  John  Lawton,  and  John  Peck,  upon  their  own 
responsibility,  commenced  the  publication  of  a  magazine  of 
forty-eight  pages  duodecimo,  three  times  a  3'ear,  entitled 
"The  Vehicle."     The  first  number  was  published  in  May, 


50  BAPTIST    MISSIONARY  CONVENTION. 

1814  ;  the  second  in  August.  At  the  meeting  of  the  Society, 
Sept.,  1814,  the  proprietors  of  the  magazine,  considering  that 
the  avails  of  the  pubhcation  might  be  of  advantage  to  the 
funds,  made  an  offer  of  the  same  to  the  Society,  to  be  pub- 
lished under  their  patronage,  when  the  following  preamble 
and  resolution  were  passed  : 

"  Whereas,  the  proprietors  of  '  The  Vehicle  '  have  made  an 
offer  of  the  same  to  the  Society,  so  that  the  avails  may 
accrue  to  the  funds,  therefore, 

"  Resolved,  unanimously.  That  this  Society  accept  of  said 
offer." 

The  Society  then  appointed  Elds.  John  Lawton,  John  Peck, 
and  Daniel  Hascall,  editors,  (subsequently  Elds.  N.  Kendrick, 
T.  Purinton,  and  A.  Bennett,  were  associated  with  them,) 
and  Eld.  J.  Peck  general  agent.  This  work  was  continued 
through  four  volumes,  consisting  of  forty-five  numbers,  when, 
at  the  union  of  the  Society  with  the  Convention,  it  was 
merged  in  the  Register. 

At  the  close  of  the  first  volume  the  title  was  altered  to 
the  "  Western  Baptist  Magazine,"  and  published  quarterly. 
The  benefits  of  the  publication,  in  communicating  religious 
knowledge,  kindling  a  missionary  spirit,  and  shedding  light 
upon  the  movements  of  the  Christian  world,  are  too  well 
known  to  need  any  comment. 

The  eighth  annual  meeting  of  the  Hamilton  Baptist  Mis- 
sionary  Society  was  held  at  Morrisville,  Sept.,  1815.  The 
secretary  and  treasurer  presented  their  reports.  It  appeared 
the  Lord  had  so  blessed  the  operations  and  increased  the  funds 
of  the  Society,  that  they  were  induced  to  appoint  missionaries 
for  forty  weeks.  It  was  resolved  that  the  Board  be  directed  to 
make  application  to  the  Legislature  for  an  act  of  incorpora- 
tion. It  was  further  resolved  that  the  Board  be  instructed 
to  pay  its  missionaries  five  dollars  per  week  for  their  services. 
At  this  meeting  Eld.  John  M.  Peck,  as  an  agent  from  Eld. 
Luther  Rice,  met  the  Society,  and  solicited  aid  for  the  Board 
of  Foreign  Missions.  The  brethren  had  previously  been 
informed  of  the  change  of  views  of  Br.  Judson  and  wife, 
and  also  of  Br.  Rice,  in  relation  to  the  mode  and  subjects  of 
baptism.  They  had  learned  that  Br.  Judson  and  wife  were 
gone  to  Burmah,  and  that  Br.  Rice  had  returned  to  solicit 
funds  to  support  the  mission ;  and  also  that  a  general  con- 


HAMILTON   MISSIONARY    SOCIETY.  &1 

vention  had  been  formed  for  the  purpose  of  sustaining 
missions  among  the  heathen.  It  was  with  pleasure  that  a 
number  of  brethren  formed  themselves  into  a  Society,  to  be 
known  by  the  name  of  the  "  Madison  Society,  auxiliary  to 
the  Baptist  Convention  of  the  United  States  for  Foreign 
Missions."  About  the  same  time  the  Utica  Foreign  Mission 
Society  was  formed,  which  has  done  much  for  the  support  of 
the  great  cause  of  foreign  missions. 

But,  notwithstanding  the  ardent  zeal  enkindled  in  the 
breasts  of  the  brethren  for  evangelizing  the  heathen,  yet  their 
ardor  for  supplying  the  destitute  at  home  w  as  not  abated,  but 
increased.  They  believed  then,  as  experience  has  since 
taught,  that  these  precious  interests  are  only  parts  of  one 
vast  field,  which  the  great  Head  of  the  church  has  embraced 
in  one  commission,  whose  influence  on  each  other  is  recipro- 
cally beneficial.  Home  is  the  foundation  of  foreign 
operations,  and  foreign  prosperity  kindles  up  expansive  desires 
and  noble  energy  at  home.  It  becomes,  therefore,  all  the 
saints  to  see  to  it  that  the  high  responsibilities  attached  to^ 
each  are  faithfully  discharged.  The  Lord  has  given  ample 
treasure  to  his  people  to  meet  all  the  claims  he  makes  upon 
them  for  those  great  interests,  and  the  saints  more  and  more 
perceive  and  feel  it.  Of  what  benefit  would  be  all  the  wealth 
which  God  is  pouring  into  the  coffers  of  his  children,  if  he 
did  not  provide  these  blessed  ways  for  its  expenditure  !  It 
would  certainly  ruin  them  ;  they  would  be  fearfully  exposed 
to  the  consumption  of  it  on  their  appetites  and  lusts. 

The  ninth  annual  meeting  of  the  Hamilton  Baptist  Mis- 
sionary Society  was  held  at  Cazenovia,  Sept.  10, 1816.  The 
report  of  the  Board  was  received,  by  which  it  appeared,  that 
they  had  employed  missionaries,  from  whom  they  received 
accounts  of  the  performance  of  fifty-one  weeks'  service  the 
year  past.  The  reports  were  exceedingly  cheering,  and 
greatly  encouraged  the  Society  to  go  forward  in  their  labor. 
They  then  proceeded  to  the  choice  of  officers,  as  follows  : 

Eld.  John  Peck,  Pres.  John  Lawton,  Sec.  Daniel  Lath, 
rop,  Treas.  Elds.  Joseph  Coley,  Nathan  Baker,  and  Brn, 
Ebenezer  Wakely,  John  Keep,  Samuel  Torrey,  Jonathan 
Olmsted,  Joseph  Card,  Thomas  Cox,  Directors.  The  President, 
Secretary,  and  Treasurer,  were  continued  in  their  respective 
offices  until  the  union  of  the  two  bodies  :  in  1825,  also,  Eld* 


52  BAPTIST    MISSIONARY  CONVENTIO^^ 

John  Peck  general  agent.  The  following  brethren,  at  differ- 
ent periods,  were  subsequently  elected  members  of  the  Board  : 
Elds.  Nathan  Peck,  Frederick  Freeman,  Daniel  Hascall, 
Alfred  Bennett,  O.  Warren,  Thomas  Purinton,  Nathaniel 
Cole,  Nathaniel  J.  Gilbert,  Philander  Kelsey,  Robert  Powell, 
John  S.  King,  and  Brn.  James  Nickerson,  Isaac  Rindge,  and 
Charles  W.  Hull.  Brn.  Wakeley  and  Olmsted,  being  mem- 
bers of  the  Legislature,  were  appointed  to  present  to  that 
body  the  petition  for  an  act  of  incorporation,  and  conduct 
the  matter  as  agents  of  the  Society.  The  Board,  at  their 
subsequent  meetings,  appointed  missionaries  for  the  term  of 
eighty  weeks  for  the  year  ensuing. 

The  tenth  annual  meeting  of  the  Society  was  held  at 
North  Norwich,  Sept.  9,  1817.  An  interesting  report  of  the 
Board  was  read,  by  which  it  appeared  that  the  Lord  still 
smiled  on  their  labors,  and  blessed  the  efforts  of  their  mis- 
sionaries in  preaching  to  the  destitute.  These  cheering 
results  served  greatly  to  strengthen  their  hands  and  encourage 
their  hearts  to  persevere  in  their  laudable  work.  At  this 
meeting  the  act  of  incorporation  was  received,  and  read  as 
follows  : 

CHARTER. 

An  Act  to  incorpwate  the  Hamilton  Baptist  Missionary 
Society,     (Passed  March  28,  1817.) 

Whereas,  John  Peck,  and  certain  other  persons,  have 
formed  themselves  into  a  Society  by  the  name  and  style  of 
the  "  Hamilton  Baptist  Missionary  Society,"  for  the  purpose 
of  propagating  the  gospel  among  the  destitute,  and  have 
prayed  to  be  incorporated,  the  better  to  promote  their  bene- 
volent design,  therefore. 

Be  it  enacted^  by  the  People  of  the  State  of  New  York, 
represented  in  the  Senate  and  Assembly,  That  all  such  persons 
as  now  are,  or  hereafter  may  become,  members  of  said  Society, 
according  to  such  rules  as  they  may  agree  upon  or  establish, 
shall  be,  and  hereby  are,  ordained,  constituted,  and  appointed, 
a  body  politic  and  corporate,  in  fact  and  in  name,  by  the  name 
of  the  '•  Hamilton  Baptist  Missionary  Society."  And  by  that 
name  they,  and  their  successors,  shall  and  may  have  succes- 


HAMILTON    MISSIONARY  SOCIETY.  53 

sion,  and  shall  be  persons,  in  law,  capable  of  suing,  and 
being  sued,  pleading  and  being  impleaded,  in  all  courts  and 
places  whatsoever,  in  all  manner  of  action  and  actions,  suits, 
matters,  causes,  and  complaints,  whatsoever.  And  that  they 
and  their  successors  may  have  a  common  seal,  and  may 
change  and  alter  the  same  at  pleasure.  And  also  that  they 
and  their  successors,  by  the  name  of  the  "  Hamilton  Baptist 
Missionary  Society,"  shall  be,  in  law,  capable  of  purchasing, 
holding,  and  conveying,  any  estate,  real  or  pef sonal,  for  the 
use  of  said  Society ;  provided  always  that  such  real  or 
personal  estate  shall  not  at  any  time  exceed  the  annual  value 
of  two  thousand  dollars. 

§  2.  And  he  it  further  enacted,  That,  for  the  better  carrying 
into  effect  the  objects  of  the  said  Society,  the  officers  of  the 
same  shall  consist  of  eleven  directors,  to  wit :  a  President, 
Secretary,  Treasurer,  and  eight  other  directors,  who  shall  hold 
their  office  for  one  year,  or  until  others  are  chosen  in  their 
stead,  and  shall  be  elected  on  the  second  Tuesday  in  September, 
in  each  year,  or  at  such  other  time,  and  at  such  place,  as  the 
corporation  shall  from  time  to  time  appoint.  And  that  every 
election  shall  be  by  ballot,  by  a  majority  of  the  members  pres- 
ent at  such  meeting.  1 

§  3.  Be  it  further  enacted^  That  the  following  persons  shal 
be  the  first  directors  of  the  said  Society,  to  wit  :  John  Peck> 
first  President ;  John  Lawton,  first  Secretary  ;  Daniel  La- 
throp,  first  Treasurer ;  and  Joseph  Coley,  Nathan  Baker, 
John  Keep,  Thomas  Cox,  Samuel  Torrey,  Joseph  Card,  Alfred 
Bennett,  and  Samuel  Payne,  other  Directors  of  said  Society  ; 
all  of  which  Directors  shall  hold  their  office  respectively  until 
the  second  Tuesday  of  next  September,  or  until  others  be 
chosen  in  their  stead. 

§  4.  And  he  it  further  enacted,  That,  at  every  meeting  of 
the  Directors  of  the  said  Society,  when  six  Directors  are  met, 
they  shall  be  a  quorum  for  transacting  any  business  concern- 
ing said  Society  which  may  come  before  them,  or  may  adjourn 
from  time  to  time,  as  circumstances  may  require. 

§  5.  And  he  it  further  enacted,  That  the  said  corporation* 
and  their  successors,  shall  have  full  power  to  make,  constitute* 
ordain,  and  establish,  such  bye-laws,  rules,  and  regulations,  as 
they  from  time  to  time  shall  judge  proper  for  the  management, 
well-being,  and  regulating,  the  said  Society,  provided  always 
5 


54  BAPTIST   MISSIONARY    CONVENTION. 

that  no  regulation  shall  be  made  in  any  wise  to  control  the 
religious  principles,  or  affect  the  rights  of  conscience,  of  any 
person  whatsoever  ;  and  provided  further,  that  such  bye-laws, 
rules,  and  regulations,  be  not  repugnant  to  the  constitution 
and  laws  of  the  United  States,  or  of  this  State, 

§  6.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  this  act  be,  and  is, 
hereby  declared  to  be  a  public  act ;  and  shall  be  construed  in 
all  courts  and  places  benignly  and  favorably  for  every  purpose 
therein  intended. 

§  7.  A7id  be  it  further  enacted^  That  this  act  shall  be  and  re- 
main in  force  and  virtue  for  the  term  of  twenty-five  years,  provi 
ded,  nevertheless,  that,  if  the  said  Society  shall  appropriate  their 
tunds,  or  any  part  thereof,  to  any  purpose  or  purposes  other 
than  those  intended  and  contemplated  by  this  act,  or  shall  at 
any  time  pass  any  law  or  regulation  affecting  the  rights  of 
conscience,  that  thenceforth  said  corporation  shall  cease,  and 
be  void  ;  and  provided,  further,  that  nothing  herein  contained 
shall  be  construed  to  prevent  the  Legislature  at  any  time,  in 
their  discretion,  within  the  said  period,  from  altering  or 
repealing  this  act. 

At  a  subsequent  meeting  of  the  Board  at  North  Norwich,, 
the  act  of  incorporation  was  read  and  approved.  The  Society 
directed  their  President  to  present  the  thanks  of  the  Society 
to  Brn.  Wakeley  and  Olmsted,  for  their  faithful  and  assiduous 
services  in  obtaining  the  act  of  incorporation. 

They  then  proceeded  to  the  choice  of  officers. 

The  Society  then  voted  to  adjourn,  to  meet  at  Delphi,  oa 
the  Wednesday  after  the  3d  Lord's  day  in  February  next. 

The  new  Board  met  immediately,  and  appointed  missiona- 
ries for  the  term  of  seventy-four  weeks. 

Having  now  approached  the  period  when  the  Baptist 
Education  Society  of  the  State  of  New  York  was  formed, 
the  object  of  which  was  so  intimately  connected  with  the 
prosperity  of  domestic  and  foreign  missions,  we  shall  proceed 
to  give  a  brief  account  of  its  rise  and  progress.  In  doing 
this,  we  shall  draw,  without  reserve,  from  documents  already 
published,  what  may  serve  our  purpose,  both  in  fact  and 
language.  We  deem  it  advisable  to  present,  in  a  consecutive 
and  unbroken  view,  the  origin,  character,  and  present  state, 
of  the  institution. 


A    BRIEF    ACCOUNT 


®r  THE  BAPTIST  EDUCATION  SOCIETY    OF  THE  STATE  OF  N.   Y^ 

This  institution  seems  to  have  had  its  origin  in  the  necessi- 
ties of  the  churches  ;  and  it  now  occupies  an  elevation  to 
which,  it  is  behoved,  God  has  called  it  by  the  increasing 
demands  of  his  churches  and  his  cause.  This  interesting 
feature  of  its  history  will  be  readily  discovered  by  tracing  its 
course  from  its  origin  to  the  present  time.  In  the  year  1817 
the  Baptist  denomination  in  this  State  numbered  about  three 
hundred  and  ten  churches,  two  hundred  and  thirty  ministers, 
and  twenty -eight  thousand  membei-s.  The  character  of  the 
ministry,  at  and  before  that  time,  is  too  well  known  to  need 
description.  Their  godliness,  their  zeal  for  the  truth  in  its 
purity,  their  laborious  fidelity,  and  their  success  in  winning 
souls  for  Christ,  "  will  be  had  in  everlasting  remembrance." 
Especially  now  it  is  needless  for  the  pen  of  eulogy  to  record 
their  praise,  while  so  many  hearts  still  beat  among  us,  on 
which,  as  «  living  epistles,"  are  written  their  "  letters  of  com- 
mendation," the  memory  of  their  worth.  But  with  this  just 
tribute  to  their  excellence  must  be  coupled  the  acknowledge- 
ment, that,  in  those  important  aids  which  human  learning  and 
intellectual  culture  afford  to  the  servants  of  the  gospel,  they 
were  comparatively  deficient.  This  they  deeply  realized,  and 
felt  the  importance  of  having  something  done  to  aid  those 
"who  were  coming  forward  to  engage  in  the  ministry.  At  the 
period  above  mentioned,  there  were,  in  the  entire  State  west 
of  the  Hudson  river,  only  three  ministers  who  had  received  a 
collegiate  education.  Meantime  the  cause  of  general  educa- 
tion was  advancing.  Light  was  more  and  more  diffused 
throughout  the  community ;  the  public  mind  was  becoming 
more  intelligent,  and  the  public  taste  more  refined  ;  the  advo- 
cates of  error,  from  its  most  tolerable  to  it^  most  fearful  form, 
were  bringing  increased  resources  to  its  defense  j  and  the 


56  BAPTIST    MISSIONARY  CONVENTION,  ' 

whole  business  of  a  religious  instructor,  both  in  the  church 
and  in  the  world,  was  becoming  more  complicated  and  diffi- 
cult. The  work  of  missions  had  also  been  going  on  for 
years  with  increasing  success.  There  was  an  imperious  call 
for  "  able  ministers  of  the  new  testament,"  both  at  home  and 
abroad.  To  meet  this  demand,  God  was  raising  up  young 
men  for  the  ministry  in  many  of  the  churches :  but  no  pro- 
vision had  been  made  for  their  education. 

Under  these  circumstances,  a  few  friends  of  the  Savior  felt 
the  importance  of  doing  something  to  aid  these  youths  in 
their  preparation  for  the  work  before  them. 

God  seemed  to  be  speaking  in  the  necessities  of  his  cause, 
and  calling  on  them  to  engage  in  this  enterprise.  For  the 
better  accomplishment  of  the  object,  "The  Baptist  Education 
Society  of  the  State  of  New  York"  was  formed,  on  the  24th 
of  Sept.,  1817.  It  consisted,  at  first,  of  only  thirteen  persons, 
each  of  whom  subscribed  to  pay  $1  annually.  Although 
some  minor  amendments  have  since  been  made  to  the  consti- 
tution  of  the  Society,  its  fundamental  principles  remain 
unaltered.  The  simple  and  exclusive  object  of  the  organi- 
zation, was,  the  improvement  of  the  Christian  ministry.  Its 
funds  are  specifically  appropriated  to  the  aid  of  indigent  and 
approved  candidates,  and  none  are  admitted  to  participate  in 
its  benefits  except  such  as  have  obtained  the  approbation  of 
the  churches,  and  furnish  continued  evidences  of  personal 
piety  and  a  call  to  the  gospel  ministry.  These  are  essential 
features  in  the  plan  of  this  Society.  It  was  founded  in  the 
belief  that  God  selects  his  own  ministers ;  and  no  measure 
contravening  this  principle  can  be  admitted,  without  sacrifi- 
cing the  confidence  of  the  churches.  Whenever  it  shall  be 
the  means  of  raising  up  a  graceless  ministry  to  take  the 
oversight  of  the  flock,  it  will  have  lost  its  original  character, 
and  merited  the  reprobation  of  the  people  of  God. 

The  winter  following  its  formation,  a  number  of  young 
men  applied  for  assistance,  the  first  of  whom  was  our  Br. 
Wade,  now  a  devoted  laborer  on  Burman  shores :  Br.  Kin- 
caid  entered  soon  after.  He  became  a  member  of  the  same 
class  with  Br.  Wade,  whom  he  soon  followed  to  the  same  field 
of  labor,  to  exhibit  the  same  intrepid  fidelity  in  his  Master's 
service,  and  to  reap  the  same  glorious  reward  in  souls  won 
from  heathenism  for  Christ  and  for  heaven.    The  divine  bless- 


IBAPTIST    EDUCATION    SOCIETY.  V7 

^ng  which  attends  and  prospers  the  labors  of  such  men,  seems 
in  the  nature  of  a  sanction  to  the  means  employed  to  prepare 
them  for  the  work.  For  two  years  the  students  were  taught 
Ijy  private  instruction  and  at  academies ;  but  in  the  spring 
of  1820  a  Literary  and  Theological  Institution  was  opened 
in  the  village  of  Hamilton,  Madison  Co.,  for  the  education  of 
all  under  th«  patronage  of  the  Society,  and  such  as  might 
afterwards  be  received.  In  its  infancy,  with  little  experience 
and  less  means,  it  was  unable  to  go  far  in  opening  the  foun- 
tains of  science  and  theology,  and  in  giving  to  an  unexpected 
number  of  young  men  that  mental  culture  and  pecuniary  aid 
which  were  desirable ;  nor,  indeed,  were  many  of  its  bene- 
ficiaries, on  account  of  their  advanced  age,  and  other  cir- 
cumstances, prepared  for  anything  more  than  a  limited 
course.  As  the  Institution  has  advanced,  these  difficulties  have 
diminished,  and  circumstances  have  increased  its  opportuni- 
ties for  efficient  action,  and  enhanced  its  corresponding 
responsibilities.  The  same  intimations  of  the  Divine  pleasure, 
which  encouraged  the  original  formation  of  the  Institution, 
have  from  time  to  time  required  the  farther  extension  of  its 
plan  and  the  multiplication  of  its  means  of  usefulness. 
The  whole  course  of  study,  at  first  adopted,  embraced  a 
period  of  only  three  years ;  some  time  after  it  was  extended 
to  four,  and  now  occupies  six,  years.  The  course  is  divided 
into  four  years  for  collegiate  and  two  for  theological  studies. 
The  time  required  for  a  complete  education,  at  common 
colleges  and  theological  seminaries,  is  seven  years.  By  the 
arrangement  at  Hamilton,  therefore,  a  year  is  saved  to  each 
student;  and  in  the  education  of  a  hundred  young  men 
a  hundred  years  of  ministerial  labor  are  secured  to  the 
church  and  to  the  world.  This  saving  of  time  is  made,  it  is 
believed,  without  the  sacrifice  of  any  amount  of  the  mental 
discipline  and  theological  knowledge  essential  to  a  thorough 
education.  The  unity  of  plan,  and  the  harmony  of  opera- 
tion, which,  in  that  institution,  combine  the  collegiate  and 
theological  studies  into  one  single  and  complete  course,  present 
advantages  to  the  students  there,  superior,  perhaps,  to  any 
that  can  be  furnished  at  our  common  colleges  and  seminaries 
in  their  separate  conditions. 

It  will  be  understood  that  the  extension  of  the  classical 
course  does  not  supersede  a  limited  one,  embracing  English 
^* 


58  BAPTIST   MISSIONARY    CONVENTION 

and  theological  studies,  adapted  to  the  circumstances  of 
young  men  for  whom  the  other  would  not  be  advisable* 
Four  years  are  allowed  to  complete  this  course  ;  and  those 
who  enter  upon  it,  somewhat  advanced  in  the  common 
English  branches,  may  do  it  in  less  time. 

This  is  regarded  by  the  Faculty  as  an  important  branch 
of  the  Institution,^and  to  the  young  men  who  prefer  taking 
it,  every  facility  is  afforded  for  prosecuting  it  with  success. 

An  Academic  department  has  also  been  organized,  com- 
prising a  course  of  two  years  for  preparatory  studies.  The 
same  facilities  for  redeeming  time  are  afforded  here.  Un- 
der the  vigilant  culture  of  the  principal  and  his  assistants,  a 
student  in  that  department  will  accomplish  a  greater  amount 
of  preparation  for  his  higher  course,  in  one  year,  than  he 
would  at  an  ordinary  academy  in  a  much  longer  time. 

The  entire  plan,  then,  embraces  that  of  an  ordinary 
academy,  college,  and  theological  seminary — so  united  as  to 
save  more  than  a  year  from  the  whole,  and  so  harmonizing 
and  mutually  aiding  each  other  as  to  furnish  the  means  of  a 
more  thorough  theological  education  than  are  usually  found 
elsewhere. 

To  meet  the  increasing  necessities  of  the  Institution,  the 
Faculty  has  from  time  to  time  been  enlarged,  and  now 
embraces  eight  instructors,  who  are  aided,  as  they  need,  by 
efficient  assistants. 

Although  the  organization  of  this  Institution  is  such  as 
to  provide  for  the  whole  course  of  ministerial  education, 
both  literary  and  theological,  and  in  this  respect  differs  from 
all  others  in  the  country,  its  managers  have  constantly  dis- 
claimed any  aim  at  originality.  They  appear  at  all  times 
to  have  watched,  with  humble  yet  wise  fidelity,  the  indica- 
tions of  Providence,  and  have  uniformly  endeavored  to  bring 
to  bear  upon  its  interests  the  experience  of  former  times, 
the  increasing  light  of  science,  the  combined  wisdom  of  the 
age,  and  the  continued  developements  of  the  counsels  of 
grace.  The  Institution  is  located  on  a  farm  of  one  hundred 
and  seventy  acres  in  the  village  of  Hamilton.  Its  site  is 
eligible  and  commanding.  Nature  has  done  much  for  the 
bold  and  beautiful  hill  on  which  the  buildings  have  been 
erected,  and  rendered  it  capable  of  improvement  to  an  almost 
unlimited  extent.^    It  overlooks  the   fertile  valley  in  which 


HAMILTON   MISSIONARY  SOCIETY.  59 

the  village  is  situated,  commanding  a  prospect  of  very  con- 
siderable extent  and  variety.  The  scene  is  altogether  one 
of  interest,  and  favorable  in  its  influence  on  the  taste  and 
feelings  of  the  students. 

Since  the  formation  of  the  Society,  about  one  hundred 
and  fifty  young  brethren  have  taken  their  entire  course  of 
education  at  the  Institution ;  upwards  of  two  hundred  more 
have  been  assisted  to  some  extent,  who  have  entered  the 
field  of  their  labors;  and  the  present  number  in  all  the 
departments  is  one  hundred  and  seventy.  Fourteen  have 
gone  out  from  this  Institution  as  missionaries  to  Eastern 
Asia,  one  to  Africa,  and  twelve  into  the  Great  Western 
Valley.  There  are  now  as  many  as  fifty  in  the  Institution 
who  are  preparing  for  foreign  missions ;  between  twenty- 
five  and  thirty  for  Eastern  Asia,  and  others  for  western 
missions. 


HAMILTON    MISSIONARY  SOCIETY. 

We  return  now  to  the  proceedings  of  this  Society,  which 
met  at  Delphi,  Feb.  17,  1818.  After  attending  to  some 
business  of  minor  importance,  it  was  resolved  that  the  time 
of  the  annual  meeting  be  changed  to  the  Wednesday  follow- 
ing the  3d  Lord's  day  in  February,  and  also  that  at  each 
annual  meeting  a  sermon  be  preached,  and  a  collection  taken 
for  the  benefit  of  the  funds. 

The  doings  of  the  Board  for  the  year  will  be  seen  in  the 
report  of  the  next  annual  meeting.  The  Society  then 
adjourned  to  meet  at  Cazenovia,  on  the  Wednesday  after  the 
3d  Lord's  day  in  Feb.,  1819. 

The  Society  held  their  eleventh  annual  meeting  in  Caze- 
novia, Feb.  24,  1819.  Eld.  Frederick  Freeman  preached, 
from  Romans  x.  14.  A  collection  of  $10  was  taken  for  the 
foreign  and  domestic  missions.  The  Board  presented  their 
report,  which  was  read  and  accepted.  Their  officers  were 
then  chosen.  After  the  choice  of  officers,  ten  female  societies 
presented  donations  to  the  amount  of  $320  57.  The  next 
annual  meeting  is  to  be  held  at  De  Ruyter. 

We  will  now  give  an  extract  from  the  report  of  the  Board, 


60  BAPTIST   MISSIONARY  CONVENTION. 

presented  at  the  above  meeting  of  the  Society,  Feb.    24, 
1819. 

"Dear  Brethren — The  time  of  our  service  having 
expired,  it  becomes  our  duty  to  render  an  account  of  our 
stewardship.  We  have  endeavored  to  keep  in  sight  the 
great  object  the  Society  has  in  view,  which  is  to  disseminate 
the  blessed  truths  of  the  gospel  among  the  destitute.  Accor- 
dingly, it  has  been  our  study  to  seek  those  places  which 
were  most  destitute ;  but  in  this  we  needed  great  wisdom, 
and  our  minds  wei'e  often  deeply  affected  with  a  view  of  the 
situation  of  our  country  in  respect  to  a  preached  gospel. 
What  a  wide  waste  lies  around  us !  In  almost  every  direc- 
tion we  see  vast  numbers  of  precious  immortals  destitute  of 
the  bread  of  life,  and  almost  every  passing  breeze  wafts  to 
our  affected  ears  a  Macedonian  cry,  '  Come  over,  and  help 
us  !'  Amidst  these  circumstances,  we  have  acted  according 
to  our  best  judgment ;  and  if  we  have  erred,  it  is,  we  trust, 
from  the  head,  and  not  from  the  heart. 

"  We  have,  since  our  appointment,  employed  the  following 
missionaries :  Eld.  Daniel  Hascall,  six  weeks ;  Samuel 
Churchill,  six  weeks ;  Peter  P.  Roots,  twenty-two  weeks  ; 
John  Lawton,  eighteen  weeks;  Solomon  Johnson,  twenty 
weeks ;  Roswell  Beckwith,  eight  weeks  ;  J.  Ferris,  three 
weeks  ;  Cyrus  Andrews,  nine  weeks  and  three  days  ;  Fred. 
Freeman,  four  weeks  and  four  days ;  Nathan  Peck,  eight 
weeks  and  five  days  ;  Timothy  Sheppard,  fourteen  weeks 
and  six  days.  All  these  have  made  a  return  of  their  labor. 
We  have  also  appointed  Eld.  Hanks,  thirteen  weeks ;  War- 
ner Goodell,  six  weeks;  Eld.  E.  M.  Spencer,  ten  weeks; 
Eld.  Rufus  Freeman,  twelve  weeks ;  Eld.  Galusha,  six 
weeks ;  Eld.  Nathan  Baker,  six  weeks  ;  Eld.  John  Peck,  four 
weeks  ;  Eld.  Dutcher,  six  weeks  ;  Eld.  Bennett,  four  weeks  ; 
Eld.  Purinton,  four  weeks ;  and  Elder  Throop,  four  weeks. 
From  these  we  have  received  no  returns,  yet  have  reason  to 
believe  that  much  of  the  service  is  performed. 

"  Eld.  John  Peck  was  appointed  agent  for  the  Society,  to 
visit  missionary  societies  already  formed,  and  to  organize 
others,  and  to  endeavor  to  stir  up  the  public  to  contribute  to 
the  funds  of  the  Society.  In  the  appointment  of  missiona- 
ries, and  in  designating  the  field  of  operations,  we  have  not 
been  actuated  by  local  prejudices,  but  have  endeavored  to 


HAMILTON   MISSIONARY  SOCIETY.  61 

keep  in  view  the  best  interests  of  Zion.  Some  of  our  mis- 
sionaries have  traveled  through  the  northern  counties  of  this 
State,  in  the  towns  contiguous  to  the  St.  Lawrence ;  while 
others,  passing  south  of  the  Cayuga  lake,  have  proclaimed  a 
risen  Savior  through  numerous  towns,  to  Lake  Erie.  Others, 
again,  have  found  their  way  into  Upper  Canada,  and  made 
known  the  word  of  God  on  the  regions  around  Lake  Ontario  ; 
while  some  have  penetrated  the  fertile  State  of  Ohio,  and 
there  dispensed  the  word  of  life. 

"  As  it  is  not  the  intention  of  the  Society  to  have  the  funds 
lie  useless,  you  will  perceive  that  we  have  made  appointments 
exceeding  all  former  examples.  We  have  appointed  mission- 
aries for  a  term  equal  to  the  labors  of  one  missionary  for  three 
years,  six  months,  and  two  weeks. 

"We  have  received  accounts  of  the  performance  of  two 
years  and  fthirty  weeks'  service.  The  consequence,  is,  that 
our  funds  are  nearly  exhausted.  You  will  readily  perceive 
the  necessity  of  further  exertions  on  the  part  of  the  Society, 
and  all  the  friends  of  truth,  in  order  to  enable  the  Board  to 
pursue  their  laudable  designs. 

"  It  is  possible  that  some  cold-hearted  calculators  may  cen- 
sure us  for  imprudence  in  the  numerous  appointments  we 
have  made.  But  we  presume  there  is  not  a  bosom  in  which  a 
spark  of  divine  philanthropy  glows,  but  would  act  in  the 
same  manner,  in  similar  circumstances. 

"To  hear  the  numerous  calls  and  earnest  entreaties  for  help — 
to  witness  the  ecstatic  joy  that  is  often  apparent  upon  being 
visited  by  a  minister  of  the  gospel — the  satisfaction  enjoyed 
in  such  interview — the  earnest  solicitations  for  a  renewal 
and  continuance  of  such  favors — the  multitude  of  tears  shed 
on  the  occasion  of  parting — is  enough  to  melt  the  most  flinty 
heart,  and  reduce  apathy  itself  to  the  tenderest  sensibilities, 
to  excite  the  most  unwearied  exertions,  and  secure  the  most 
liberal  contributions  for  so  noble  and  godlike  a  purpose. 
Without  the  continued  exertions  of  the  friends  of  truth,  the 
Board  must  discontinue  their  operations,  and  in  unavailing 
sorrow  sit  down  and  listen  to  the  pathetic  cries  of  the  desti- 
tute, without  the  means  of  affording  any  relief. 

"  What !  must  it  be  so,  that  this  Society,  which  has  arisen 
to  such  respectability,  and  in  the  course  often  years  dispensed 
so  many  blessings,  and  upon  whom  the  blessing  of  thousands 


62  BAPTIST    MISSIONARY  CONVENTION. 

of  destitute  souls  has  come, — must  it  now  terminate  its  course, 
and  cease  its  pious  labors  ?  Nay,  it  can  not  be !  Our  trust 
is  in  Him,  whose  is  the  earth  and  the  fullness  thereof,  and  in 
whose  hand  are  the  hearts  of  all  flesh,  and  who  can  turn  them 
as  the  rivers  of  water  are  turned.  He  who  hears  the  young 
ravens  cry,  and  supplies  their  wants,  will  hear  the  cries  of  his 
destitute  children,  and  will  provide  for  their  relief.  And  we 
have  the  fullest  confidence  in  your  benevolence  and  Christian 
philanthropy,  and  believe  that  you  will  continue  your  laudable 
exertions  in  this  glorious  cause. 

"  Since  our  last  meeting,  God  has  seen  fit  to  call  oflf  from  a 
world  of  sin  and  sorrow,  and  from  a  scene  of  pain  and  distress, 
to  a  world  of  joy  and  love,  our  dear  and  venerable  father  in 
the  gospel.  Eld.  Elisha  Ransom,  who  has  long  been  a  useful 
member  of  this  Society.  His  labors  are  terminated,  and  his 
soul  is  at  rest  in  the  bosom  of  his  dear  Redeemer.  We, 
brethren,  must  soon  follow  him  into  the  eternal  world.  Let 
us  be  prepared ;  and  while  we  live,  let  us  not  be  weary  in  well- 
doing, knowing  that  in  due  season  we  shall  reap,  if  we  faint 
not.  By  order  of  the  Board, 

"John  Feck,  President, 

"John  Lawton,  Secretary, ^^ 


The  twelfth  annual  meeting  of  the  Hamilton  Baptist  Mis- 
sionary Society  was  held  at  De  Ruyter,  Feb.  23, 1820.  The 
Secretary's  and  Treasurer's  report  were  read,  and  accepted. 
Twenty-eight  Female  Societies,  and  one  Young  Men's 
Society,  presented  donations  to  the  amount  of  $651  49. 
Then  proceeded  to  choose  ofiicers  for  the  year  ensuing ;  after 
which  they  adjourned,  to  meet  at  Hamilton,  on  the  Wednes- 
day after  the  third  Sabbath  in  Feb.,  1821 — Eld,  Lane  to 
preach  the  introductory  sermon.  Eld.  Bennett  his  substitute. 

From  1819  to  1820  was  an  important  season.  The  calls 
from  the  destitute  were  so  numerous,  that  the  Board  ventured 
to  appoint  missionaries  for  one  hundred  and  sixty-nine  weeks. 
Also,  there  was  a  call  from  the  aboriginals  in  the  wilderness, 
for  assistance  in  their  distressed  circumstances.  Much  time 
was  spent  in  inquiring  into  their  situation,  and  laying  a 
foundation  for  efforts  to  ameliorate  their  condition.  This 
required  more  funds  than  the  Board  possessed.     Hence  they 


HAMILTON   MISSIONARY  SOCIETY.  63 

(as  will  be  seen  by  the  report)  took  measures  to  augment 
their  funds.  We  now  give  the  following  extract  from  the 
report : 

"After  our  appointment,  we  began  to  feel  impressions  with 
respect  to  the  duty  we  owed  to  the  Indians  in  this  State,  as 
well  as  to  our  own  people  ;  to  accomplish  which  we  found  it 
necessary  to  adopt  means  to  increase  our  funds.  With  this 
view,  we  appointed  Eld.  J.  Peck  an  agent,  to  visit  the  several 
female  societies,  to  encourage  them,  and  to  organize  new 
ones,  and  to  increase  a  missionary  spirit  in  the  public  mind. 
His  exertions  were  crowned  with  unexpected  success,  as  will 
appear  from  his  report." 


REPORT  OF  THE  AGENT. 

Dear  Brethren — I  feel  it  my  duty  to  present  you  with 
the  following  abstract  of  my  labors,  agreeably  to  your  appoint- 
ment. In  March,  1818,  I  visited  the  people  in  Morris ville ; 
where,  after  preaching  a  sermon,  and  making  some  explana- 
tory  remarks,  with  the  assistance  of  Eld.  Lawton,  I  formed 
a  Female  Missionary  Society,  consisting  of  twenty-nine 
members.  Three  brethren  united  with  the  Hamilton  Baptist 
Missionary  Society. 

May  10.  Visited  the  Female  Society  in  Hamilton,  and  de- 
livered a  discourse  ;  after  which  eleven  persons  united  with 
the  Society,  and  twelve  men  with  the  H.  B.  M.  S. 

12.  Preached  to  the  Female  Society  in  Eaton.  Twelve 
females  were  added  to  the  Society,  and  twelve  males  to  the  H. 
B.  M.  S. 

13.  I  met  with  the  people  in  Nelson,  and  preached  to 
them  ;  after  which  organized  a  Female  Society,  consisting 
of  ninety-one  members.  Three  males  united  with  the  H.  B. 
M.  S.  This  was  a  solemn  time,  and  will,  I  believe,  be  long 
remembered  by  some  of  the  assembly. 

18.  Preached  in  Solon,  and  organized  a  Female  Society, 
consisting  of  twenty-five  females.  One  man  united  with  the 
H.  B.  M.  S. 

20.  Preached  to  the  females  in  Truxton,  where  sixty-four 
females  united  in  a  Society,  and  seven  males  joined  the  H.  B, 
M.  S. 


64  BAPTIST   MISSIONARY  CONVENTION. 

24.  Preached  in  Cazenovia  village.  Formed  a  Female 
Society,  consisting  of  thirty-six  members.  Here  the  scene 
was  interesting  :  the  Lord  is  pouring  out  his  Spirit. 

31.  Preached  to  the  Female  Society  in  Fabius — a  blessed 
season — twenty-nine  females  united  with  the  Society. 

Junel.  Preached  to  the  Female  Society  in  Cazenovia. 
Thirteen  were  added  to  their  number,  and  five  males  to  the  H. 
B.  M.  S. 

5.  Met  with  the  Female  Society  in  Delphi.  Fifteen  were 
added  to  this  Society.  The  missionary  cause  seems  to  lie 
near  their  hearts. 

8.  Preached  to  the  Female  Society  in  Lenox.  Eighteen 
were  added  at  this  time,  and  thirteen  males  to  the  H.  B.  M.  S. 

9.  Preached  to  the  Female  and  Juvenile  Societies  in 
Smithfield.  Fourteen  were  added  to  the  Female  Society,  and 
two  males  to  the  H.  B.  M.  S.  It  was  a  pleasing  scene  to  wit- 
ness a  number  of  young  men  renouncing  their  expensive 
youthful  vanities,  for  the  more  important  and  more  pleasing 
service  of  the  blessed  Redeemer.  Instead  of  spending  their 
money  in  sensual  gratifications,  they  are  seen  casting  their 
mites  into  the  treasury  of  the  Lord. 

15.  Preached  in  Manlius,  and  with  the  assistance  of  Eld. 
Baker,  formed  a  Female  Society,  consisting  of  fifty-five  per- 
sons. Two  males  joined  the  H.  B.  M.  S.  I  spent  two  days 
in  this  place.  There  appeared  some  tokens  of  good  ;  some 
mercy-drops  have  fallen.  O  may  these  be  a  prelude  to  a  plen- 
tiful shower  of  Divine  grace  ! 

17.  Preached  to  the  Female  Society  in  Pompey  &  Manli- 
us. This  Society  has  labored  under  many  discouragements, 
but  now  seem  much  encouraged.    Thirteen  united  at  this  time. 

28.  Preached  to  the  Female  Society  in  Homer,  and  was 
much  pleased  to  see  the  zeal  here  discovered  in  the  cause  of 
missions.  Fourteen  were  added  to  the  Society,  and  three  to 
the  H.  B.  M.  S. 

20.  Preached  in  TuUy.  After  sermon,  organized  a 
Female  Society  of  thirty-two  females,  and  five  males  united 
with  the  H.  B.  M.  S.  This  was  a  pleasant,  solemn,  and 
interesting,  season.  I  believe  the  presence  of  the  Lord  was 
enjoyed. 

30.  Preached  to  the  Cayuga  Centre  Society.  They 
seem  much  encouraged. 


HAMILTON    MISSIONARY  SOCIETY.  65 

July  13.  Preached  to  the  first  Female  Society  in  German, 
and  likewise  to  a  Congregational  Female  Society.  Twenty- 
seven  females  were  added  to  the  Society,  and  five  men  to  the 
H.  B.  M.  S. 

14.  Went,  in  company  with  Eld.  Lawton,  to  Lisle,  and 
preached  to  the  Female  Society.  Twenty-three  were  added 
to  their  number,  and  fifteen  to  the  H.  B.  M.  S. 

15.  We  visited  Smithville.  The  Lord  seemed  to  be 
present  at  this  meeting.  Fifteen  females  joined  the  Female 
Society,  and  twenty-seven  males  the  H.  B.  M.  S. 

17.  Preached  to  the  second  church  in  German,  and 
formed  a  Society  of  nineteen  females ;  eight  males  joined 
the  H.  B.  M.  S. 

August  3.  Preached  to  the  Female  Society  in  De  Ruyter. 
Eight  were  added  to  the  Society,  and  six  males  to  the  H.  B. 
M.  S. 

11.  Preached  in  Peterboro.  Thirty  females  united  in  a 
Society,  and  ten  males  were  added  to  the  H.  B.  M.  S. 

12.  Preached  to  the  first  church  in  Nelson.  Sixty-two 
females  united  in  a  Society,  and  seven  males  united  to  the 
H.  B.  M.  S. 

Sept.  13.  Preached  to  the  Female  Society  in  Sherburne. 
Thirteen  were  added,  and  five  to  the  H.  B.  M.  S. 

14.  Preached  at  Norwich  village — organized  a  Female 
Society  consisting  of  twenty-three  members,  and  four  males 
united  to  the  H.  B.  M.  S.  It  appeared  that  the  presence  of 
the  Lord  was  enjoyed. 

15.  Preached  to  the  North  Norwich  Female  Society  ; 
twenty-four  new  members  were  received,  and  two  males 
united  to  the  H.  B.  M.  S.  I  rejoiced  to  see  the  engagedness 
of  the  people  here  in  the  blessed  cause  of  the  Redeemer. 

17.  Preached  in  Smyrna  village.  After  sermon  twenty 
females  formed  themselves  into  a  Society,  and  three  males 
united  with  the  H.  B.  M.  S.  I  believe  the  Lord  was  present 
by  his  Holy  Spirit. 

Oct.  8.  Preached  in  Georgetown — twenty-five  females 
united  in  a  Society.  I  trust  the  presence  of  the  Lord  was 
enjoyed. 

Jan.  28, 1820.     Preached  to  the  Female  Society  in  Madi- 
son— four  females  united  with  the  Society,  and  five  males 
with  the  H.  B.  M.  S. 
6 


66  BAPTIST    MISSIONARY  CQNVENTIOrf* 

Pursuant  tO'  my  instructions,  I  have  preached  to  thirty- 
two  Missionary  Societies,  thirty  of  which  are  Female 
Societies,  auxiUary  to  the  H,  B=  M.  S.,  one  a  Young  Men's 
Society,  and  one  Female  Society  of  the  Congregational 
order.  Thirteen  of  these  Societies  I  assisted  in  organizing  ; 
three  others  I  assisted  in  coming  into  operation  ;  fourteen 
have  contributed  to  the  funds  heretofore.  The  Societies 
organized  while  I  was  present,  consisted  of  four  hundred 
and  ninety-one  members.  Those  who  joined  Societies  pre- 
viously formed,  were  two  hundred  and  fifty-three.  The 
males  who  united  with  the  parent  Society  were  one  hundred 
and  sixty-two.  The  total  number  of  those  who,  the  year 
past,  have  united,  in  my  presence,  for  the  purpose  of  con- 
tributing to  the  augmentation  of  our  funds,  are  nine  hundred 
and  six  persons.  I  have  spent  forty-two  days  in  my  agency.. 
Yours,  affectionately, 

John  Peck. 

By  the  reports  of  the  missionaries  for  the  last  year,  it 
appears  that  their  labors  have  been  blest  as  much  as  in  any 
former  time.  As  a  specimen,  yve  shall  give  an  extract  or 
two  from  the  report  of  Eld.  Azariah  Hanks.  The  Board 
have  received  from  him  an  account  of  thirteen  weeks'  service 
performed  in  the  State  of  Ohio.  He  observes :  "  We  have 
reason  to  bless  God  for  the  display  of  his  grace  in  this  part 
of  the  land.  Light  is  spreading  by  the  instrumentality  of 
missionaries ;  the  fruits  of  which  we  have  seen  within  the 
year  past,  as  you  may  learn  by  the  minutes  of  the  Associa- 
tion. The  number  of  churches  added  the  last  session  is  nine, 
and  nine  more  are  formed  within  the  limits  of  the  Associa- 
tion ;  which  are  chiefly  the  fruits  of  missionary  labors."  It 
appears^  from  his  report,  that  their  missionaries  have  been 
greatly  blessed  in  their  labors,  and  were  acceptable  to  the 
people,- who  were  very  solicitous  for  a  continuance  of  those 
favorsc. 

Eld.  Warner  Goodell  gives  an  account  of  a  six  weeks' 
tour  in  the  State  of  Ohio,  in  which  he  corroborates  the 
account  of  Eld.  Hanks  concerning  the  success  attending 
missionary  labor  in  that  State.  Among  other  pleasing 
accounts  he  gives  the  following :  "  In  Atwater  there  is  a 
glorious  outpouring  of  God's  Spirit.     Here  I  spent  four  or 


HAMILTON    MISSIONARY  SOCIETY.  6^ 

five  days  in  preaching  and  visiting  from  house  to  house: 
this  was  as  precious  a  season  as  ever  I  enjoyed.  I  preached 
seven  times  to  crowded  assembUes,  and  all  appeared  solemn  as 
eternity.  Such  an  outpouring  of  the  Spirit  I  never  before 
saw.  In  almost  every  house  in  the  town  some  were  crying 
for  mercy,  while  others  were  rejoicing  in  the  Lord.  All 
worldly  business  was  laid  aside  by  some  ;  their  daily  food 
became  indifferent  to  them,  and  sleep  departed  from  their  eyes. 
It  was  no  uncommon  thing  to  see  husband  or  wife,  and  some- 
times both,  overwhelmed  in  tears ;  with  their  children  weeping 
around  them,  under  concern  for  their  souls,  and  crying  for 
mercy  ;  and  all  I  could  do  was  to  point  the  poor  distressed 
souls  to  the  Lamb  of  God.  When  I  left  them  their  cry  was, 
'  Do  come  again.  Do  send  missionaries  to  see  and  help  us.'  " 
He  further  observes :  "  The  Lord  is  pouring  out  his  Spirit  in 
many  towns  in  this  part  of  the  country ;  churches  are 
arising ;  the  wilderness  begins  to  blossom  like  the  rose." 

Eld.  Goodell  was  a  man  of  eminent  piety,  and  deeply 
engaged  in  the  cause  of  truth.  He  was  a  faithful  minister 
and  a  zealous  missionary.  But  his  heavenly  Father  has 
called  him  from  his  labors,  and,  as  we  believe,  has  received 
him  into  his  eternal  rest. 


INDIAN    AFFAIRS. 


Having  now  arrived  at  the  period  in  which  the  Society 
commenced  its  operations  for  Indian  reform,  we  shall  proceed 
to  give  a  consecutive  account  of  the  measures  adopted  and 
pursued  to  execute  its  benevolent  design,  together  with  some 
of  the  happy  effects  produced.  It  has  been  already  men- 
tioned, that,  in  the  winter  and  spring  of  1819,  unusual 
impressions  rested  on  the  minds  of  several  of  the  members 
of  the  Boai'd  of  the  Hamilton  Baptist  Missionary  Society, 
respecting  the  state  of  the  Indians  in  our  country.  At  a 
meeting  of  the  Board  in  May,  1819,  a  resolution  was  passed, 
that  it  was  our  duty  to  try  to  do  something  for  their  relief. 
Accordingly,  Br.  F.  Freeman  was  appointed  to  visit  the 
Oneida  and  Stockbridge  tribes,  and  inquire  into  their  situation ; 
which  duty  he  performed.  In  August  he  made  a  report  of 
his  mission,  from  which  it  appears  that  the  Indians  were 
highly  gratified  with  the  attention  paid  to  them,  and  were 
sensible  of  their  situation,  and  exceedingly  desirous  of  assis- 
tance from  their  white  brethren  ;  but  concluded  there  was  a 
necessity  of  a  grand  council,  in  order  to  discuss  the  question 
"  whether  the  Indians  would  receive  civilization  and  Chris- 
tianity." But  they  observed  that  they  were  not  able  to 
convene  such  a  council,  by  reason  of  their  poverty.  He  gave 
them  some  encouragement — that,  if  such  council  was  thought 
necessary,  the  Board  would  afford  them  some  assistance  ; 
though  he  did  not  expect  they  would  call  a  council  till  the 
Board  should  be  consulted. 

The  Board,  on  receiving  this  communication,  immediately 
appointed  a  committee,  consisting  of  Elds.  Lawton,  Baker, 
Kendrick,  and  J.  Peck,  to  visit  the  Oneidas,  and  make  further 
inquiries  ;  and,  if  thought  necessary,  to  give  them  further 
encouragement.  The  committee  immediately  proceeded  to 
fulfill  their  mission.     Arriving  at  Oneida,  they  found  that 


INDIAN    AFFAIRS.  69 

the  Indians  had  dispatched  their  runners  to  convene  a 
general  council,  depending  on  the  assistance  of  the  Board. 
The  committee,  appealing  to  the  public  liberality,  obtained 
ample  supplies,  to  the  great  satisfaction  of  the  Indians,  The 
Board  met  at  Nelson,  Nov.  25,  1819.  The  committee 
appointed  by  the  Board  to  visit  several  tribes  of  Indians  in 
this  State,  made  their  report,  from  which  we  give  some 
extracts  : 

"  Your  committee  took  the  earliest  opportunity  for  an 
interview  with  the  Oneida  and  Stockbridge  Indians,  and  met 
the  chief  men  of  those  tribes  the  31st  of  August.  They 
were  much  gratified  in  finding  Eld.  Root  on  the  ground,  who 
had  been  preaching  a  number  of  sermons  to  the  Stockbridge 
Indians,  and  assisted  your  committee  by  his  advice.  After 
an  interview  with  Mr.  Williams,  the  Episcopal  teacher  of 
the  Oneidas,  who  entered  into  the  views  of  your  committee 
with  much  interest,  and  became  their  interpreter,  a  confer- 
ence was  had  with  the  Indians.  The  object  of  the  Board,  in 
sending  this  committee  to  them,  was  clearly  stated.  They 
were  informed  that  God,  who  was  favoring  their  white 
brethren  around  them  with  the  gospel,  accompanied  with 
many  temporal  and  spiritual  blessings,  had  put  it  into  the 
hearts  of  the  Hamilton  Missionary  Society  to  pray  for  their 
red  brethren,  and  to  desire  to  do  them  good — that  the  Board 
sent  this  committee  to  inquire  into  their  circumstances,  and 
their  relation  with  other  Christian  societies — to  know  whether 
they  were  receiving  all  that  assistance  to  aid  them  in  obtain- 
ing the  knowledge  of  the  gospel,  and  to  promote  schools  for 
their  children,  which  their  circumstances  demanded.  The 
fullest  assurances  were  given  them,  that  this  Board  had  no 
intention  of  interfering  with  what  other  societies  were  doing  ; 
but  if  there  were  an  opportunity  of  affording  them,  or  any 
other  tribes,  what  assistance  this  Board  could  give,  it  would 
be  cheerfully  granted." 

They  appeared  much  gratified  with  the  attention  paid  them, 
and  said  the  subject  was  of  great  importance  ;  they  wanted 
time  to  think  of  it.  The  Stockbridge  chiefs  said  they  would 
give  their  answer  now :  they  were  thankful  that  our  missiona- 
ries had  visited  them  occasionally,  but  they  had  a  missionary 
who  had  been  laboring  among  them,  with  whom  they  were 
well  satisfied  ;  they  had  schools  taught  among  them,  chiefly 
6* 


70  BAPTIST    BIISSIONARY  CONVENTIOIT. 

by  men  of  their  own  tribe  ;  but  should  be  glad  of  any  assis* 
tance  that  our  Society  could  afford  them  in  supporting  and 
improving  their  schools. 

At  the  time  appointed,  your  committee  met  the  Oneida 
chiefs,  and  received  their  answer,  connected  with  many 
interesting  observations.  They  expressed  their  thanks  that 
God  had  put  it  in  your  hearts  to  inquire  into  their  wants, 
with  a  desire  to  afford  them  assistance.  They  spake  of  their 
poverty  and  depression,  and  contrasted  their  present  with 
their  former  condition.  They  said  their  fathers  were  a  great 
nation,  and  extended  over  a  large  country,  and  were  a  re- 
spected and  powerful  people.  But  their  nation  had  become 
reduced  to  a  small  number,  and  were  driven  into  a  corner  : 
they  had  become  poor  and  despised,  and  rejected  of  men, 
and  of  many  who  called  themselves  Christians.  They  said 
they  were  needy,  and  should  be  very  glad  of  assistance. 
They  said  they  had  a  teacher,  Mr.  Williams,  among  them, 
whom  they  very  much  esteemed.  They  said  they  had  no 
schools  among  them  for  their  children,  and  they  implored 
assistance  to  establish  and  support  them.  Any  aki  that  can 
be  given  them  for  this  purpose  will  be  thankfully  received. 
The  chief  spoke  of  a  council  which  was  soon  to  be  held  at 
Oneida,  for  the  purpose  of  bringing  the  several  tribes  in  this 
State  into  a  general  result  to  receive  the  gospel ;  but  they 
said  they  were  unable  to  support  it.  They  therefore  wanted 
the  assistance  of  your  committee^  and  for  this  purpose  they 
presented  the  following  letter  : 


"  To  the  Committee  of  the  Board  of  the  Hamilton  Baptist 
Missionary  Society  : 

"  Brothers — We  rejoice  to  hear  your  wish  to  promote  our 
temporal  and  spiritual  good.  It  is  our  wish  that  we,  the 
Indian  tribes  in  this  State^  may  know  and  receive  the  gospel 
of  Jesus  Christ.  For  this  purpose  we  have  called  a  council ; 
and  we  expect  the  chief  men  from  several  nations  will  be 
together  by  the  last  of  this  week.  The  sole  object  of  this 
council,  is,  to  encourage  our  Indian  brethren  to  embrace  the 
doctrines  of  Christianity.  We  trust  this  will  meet  with 
your  approbation.     As  the   expense  of  supporting  such   a 


INDIAN    AFFAIRS.  71 

council  will  be   considerable,  may  we  presume  to  ask  you, 
brothers,  to  assist  us  in  this  matter. 

his 

"  Captain    X    Peter. 

mark, 
his 

"  William  X  Tahonu-en-tamgeon. 

mark, 
his 

"  William  X  Jogohani. 

mark, 
his 

"  John  X  Brandt. 

mark. 

his 

"  Hendrick  X  Paulis. 

mark. 

"  I  hereby  certify  that  the  above  is  correct. 

"  Eleazer  Williams, 
"  A  religious  instructor  to  the  Oneida  Indians. 
"Oneida,  Sept.  2,  1819." 

You  will  judge  of  the  embarrassment  of  your  committee, 
after  receiving  the  above  letter,  and  not  having  expected  an 
occurrence  of  this  kind.  They  had  no  funds  in  their  hands, 
nor  were  they  authorized  to  expend  any  for  such  a  purpose. 
However,  they  were  constrained  to  view  it  as  a  peculiar 
providence  that  the  Board,  without  knowing  of  this  coimcil, 
or  being  aware  that  the  Indians  were  expecting  any  imme- 
diate communication  and  assistance  from  them,  should  be 
led  to  fix  on  so  early  and  propitious  a  moment  to  meet  the 
exigences  of  this  important  case.  Being  deeply  impressed 
with  the  conviction  that  something  ought  to  be  done  to  help 
them,  your  committee,  by  making  an  appeal  to  public  liber- 
ality, received  an  ample  supply.  The  council  met  the  week 
following.  Your  committee  felt  it  important,  that,  if  any  of 
the  Indians  should  adopt  a  resolution  in  favor  of  receiving 
the  gospel  and  missionaries  among  the  tribes  that  are  desti- 
tute, explicit  encouragement  should  be  given  them.  Your 
committee,  in  compaiay  with  Elds.  Warren  and  Gilbert, 
Dea.  Samuel  Payne,  and  Br.  Daniel  Hatch,  who  were 
appointed  by  the  Madison  Association  to  advise  with  them, 
met  the  council  on  Friday,  and  had  an  interview  with  a 
number  of  chiefs  from  different  tribes. 

They  gave  some  account  of  the  proceedings  of  their 
council,  and  of  the  opposition  made  to  Christianity  by  pagans 


72  BAPTIST    MISSIONARY    CONVENTION. 

and  Quakers  in  their  connection.  They  said  they  were 
divided  among  themselves  ;  they  had  their  prejudices  and 
difficulties  to  overcome.  These  could  not  be  removed  at 
once ;  it  would  require  time.  They  manifested  a  painful 
conviction  of  their  dark,  miserable,  perishing  condition,  and 
the  necessity  of  their  having  the  gospel.  They  were  highly 
gratified  to  learn  the  friendly  dispositions  of  this  Board 
towards  them,  and  hoped  that  nothing  would  discourage  them 
from  pursuing  the  object  of  spreading  the  gospel  among 
their  tribes.  They  said  if  this  Society  should  give  up,  and 
be  discouraged,  on  account  of  meeting  with  difficulties,  they 
should  think  their  faith  was  small ;  but  if  they  should  not 
be  discouraged,  but  persevere,  the  Great  Spirit  would  help 
them,  and  the  object  would  be  accomplished.  They  said 
another  council  was  soon  to  be  held  at  Buffiilo,  and  then  we 
should  know  more  of  their  situation. 

After  giving  them  assurance  that  no  exertions  would  be 
wanting  on  the  part  of  the  Society  to  promote  the  gospel 
among  them,  and  receiving  assurances  from  them  that  they 
would  do  all  in  their  power  to  aid  in  the  prosecution  of  the 
grand  design,  according  to  their  usual  custom,  they  presented 
a  staff,  as  a  pledge  of  their  friendship  and  fidelity,  to  ensure 
the  fulfillment  of  what  they  had  promised.  An  aged 
Tuscarora  chief,  by  the  name  of  Prentup,  in  behalf  of  the 
others,  presented  the  staff;  and  Eld.  Warren,  being  the 
oldest  among  those  treating  with  them,  was  selected  by  the 
venerable  chief  to  receive  it  in  behalf  of  his  brethren.  After 
the  ceremony,  accompanied  with  appropriate  remarks,  was 
gone  through  with,  your  committee,  with  the  rest,  thought  it 
expedient  to  reciprocate  the  compliment.  They  procured 
three  small  Bibles,  elegantly  bound  in  morocco  and  gilt,  one 
in  the  French  language,  and  the  others  of  the  common 
English  version.  After  these  Bibles  were  obtained,  the 
chiefs,  by  request,  met  their  white  brethren  again,  and 
received  their  tokens  of  friendship  with  no  ordinary  emotions 

This  closing  interview  was  more  interesting  than  anything 
which  had  occurred  before.  The  Indians  repeated  their 
solicitations  for  assistance,  saying  they  had  long  been  in 
the  wilderness,  and  had  been  lost,  but  they  began  to  discover 
some  light,  and  they  wanted  more.     The  Tuscarora  chief, 


INDIAN     AFFAIRS.  73 

who  received  the  first  Bible,  appeared  deeply  impressed  with 
the  nature  of  the  present.  He  said  he  was  unable  to  read 
it,  but  he  would  get  some  person  to  read  it  to  him  :  he  would 
meditate  upon  it,  and  follow  its  directions ;  he  would  have 
his  young  people  read  it ;  he  valued  it  more  than  he  did  all 
the  treasures  he  had  in  the  world,  and  would  keep  it  as  long 
as  he  lived.  One  of  the  other  chiefs  was  from  Canada,  and 
spoke  the  French  language.  He  was  complimented  with 
the  French  Bible,  and  received  it  with  equal  impressions  of 
gratitude.  His  remarks  indicated  a  superior  mind,  in  dark- 
ness and  distress,  struggling  for  light.  He  said  his  people 
w^ere  once  a  great  and  powerful  nation,  spread  over  a  great 
country,  but  they  had  become  a  small,  feeble,  and  despised, 
people.  The  Great  Spirit  had  driven  them  out  before  him 
for  their  sins,  and  given  their  possessions  to  another  people. 
They  were  in  a  great  wilderness,  in  a  dark  night,  and  saw 
no  way  to  get  out.  But,  said  he,  you  are  in  the  light,  and 
may  help  us.  What  you  are  now  doing  begins  to  cheer  our 
hearts,  and  appears  like  a  little  sun  to  lead  us  out.  He 
hoped  his  living  in  Canada,  and  belonging  to  another  nation, 
where  he  had  been  taught  other  customs,  (meaning  the 
Roman  Catholic,)  would  not  prevent  this  Society  from 
granting  them  assistance.  If  they  would  not  do  it  now,  he 
hoped  they  would  pray  for  them.  He  thought  little  of 
ceremonies,  but  wanted  that  religion  which  would  do  the 
heart  good.  All  that  he  said  appeared  to  come  from  the 
heart. 

A  number  of  appropriate  remarks  were  made  by  Eld. 
Warren,  on  presenting  the  Bible.  He  said,  (holding  the 
staff  which  had  been  received  from  them  in  one  hand,  and 
the  Bible  in  the  other,)  "  You  gave  us  this  staff  as  a  pledge 
of  your  friendship,  and  a  token  of  your  readiness  to  co- 
operate with  us  in  the  important  object  of  diffusing  the 
light  of  the  gospel  among  our  red  brethren :  this  book  we 
present  to  you  as  a  pledge  of  our  love  and  friendship  for 
you,  and  our  desire  to  do  you  good.  _  This  staff  is  good  to 
lean  upon,  and  support  our  steps  while  traveling  through  the 
wilderness  :  this  book  is  the  staff  of  life,  on  which  your 
souls  may  lean  and  your  steps  be  directed,  while  traveling 
through  the  wilderness  of  this  world.  This  staff  is  good  to 
defend  us  from  dogs,  and  wild  beasts,  which  may  assail  us  : 


74  BAPTIST    MISSIONARY  CONVENTION. 

this  book,  or  the  truth  therein  contained,  will  defend  your 
souls,  and  preserve  you  from  that  great  enemy  who  goes 
about  as  a  roaring  lion.  This  staff,  when  we  come  to  die,  we 
must  leave  behind  ;  it  will  be  of  no  farther  use  to  us  :  but 
this  book,  in  the  hour  of  death,  will  prove  a  staff  on  which 
your  souls  may  rest,  and  which  will  support  and  defend  you 
while  passing  through  the  dark  valley,  and  introduce  you 
into  the  kingdom  of  eternal  glory." 

The  other  brethren  present  addressed  them  in  turn,  replying 
particularly  to  all  their  remarks,  expressing  the  feelings  of 
Christian  benevolence  towards  them,  and  their  brethren,  in 
their  bewildered  state. 

The  interview  was  at  length  closed  by  prayer,  when  an 
affectionate  parting  took  place. 

The  chiefs  stated,  in  the  course  of  their  remarks,  that 
shortly  a  great  council  was  to  be  holden  at  Buffalo  ;  and  if 
the  committee  would  attend,  and  say  the  same  things  to 
that  council  which  they  had  to  this,  it  would  be  of  great 
importance.  After  mature  consideration  the  committee 
thought  it  best  that  some  one  should  attend.  Accordingly, 
they  appointed  Eld.  N.  Kendrick  and  Dea.  J.  Olmsted  ;  who, 
on  receiving  necessary  instructions  from  the  rest  of  the 
committee,  commenced  their  journey  for  Buffalo.  On  their 
way  they  attended  the  Cayuga  and  Ontario  Associations. 
These  bodies  cordially  espoused  the  cause,  and  the  Cayuga 
Association  appointed  Brn.  Amasa  Sessions  and  Seth  Bur- 
gess. The  Ontario  Association  appointed  Eld.  Solomon 
Goodale,  who,  with  the  other  two,  were  to  accompany  the 
committee,  and  assist  them.  On  their  arrival  at  Buffalo  they 
were  favored  with  an  early  interview  with  Capt.  Parish,  an 
agent  for  Indian  affairs.  They  stated  to  him  their  object, 
:and  he  had  the  goodness  to  favor  it,  and  very  cheerfully 
tendered  his  aid  to  carry  it  into  effect.  But  as  the  council 
did  not  convene  at  so  early  a  day  as  was  expected,  the  com- 
mittee were  under  the  necessity  of  leaving  the  ground. 
They,  however,  left  Eld.  Goodale,  and  with  him  a  communi- 
cation addressed  to  the  council,  and  gave  him  suitable 
instructions  for  his  conduct,  with  a  request  to  make  the 
earliest  communication  of  the  result  of  the  council.  His 
returns  were  received,  and  were  as  favorable  as  could  be 
expected.     The  most  of  the  tribes  were  in  favor  of  receiving 


INDIAN     AFFAIRS.  75' 

the  gospel,  and  all  were  in  favor  of  schools.  The  council 
met  Oct.  6,  1819.  It  is  evident  that  the  proceedings  of 
that  committee  had  a  favorable  bearing  on  the  futm-e  opera- 
tions of  the  Board  in  respect  to  Indian  reform. 

After  reading  the  reports,  the  Board  were  satisfied  that  a 
door  was  opened  by  Divine  Providence  for  doing  something 
to  ameliorate  the  condition  of  the  natives  ;  and  accordingly 
they  appointed  Elds.  Bennett  and  Lawton  to  visit  the  western 
Indians,  with  instructions  to  call  on  Mr.  Williams,  at  Oneida, 
for  advice  in  respect  to  the  manner  of  treating  with  them. 
Accordingly  they  visited  Mr.  Williams,  and  stated  to  him 
the  object  of  their  visit.  He  expressed  great  surprise  at 
their  proposed  visit  to  the  west,  while  Oneida  was  as  destitute 
of  schools  as  any  of  the  western  tribes  ;  and  further,  that 
the  Indians  were  anxiously  expecting  that  the  Board  would 
set  up  a  school  among  them.  The  committee  had  frequent 
interviews  with  Mr.  W.  and  the  natives,  which  were  peculiar- 
ly interesting ;  and  thought  it  was  their  duty  to  lay  the 
subject  before  the  Board  prior  to  their  going  to  the  west. 
Accordingly,  a  special  meeting  of  the  Board  was  called,  at 
which  they  made  their  report,  in  substance  as  follows  ;  That 
the  Oneidas  were  astonished  that  your  committee  should  be 
going  to  the  west  to  establish  schools,  until  they  were  sup- 
plied, inasmuch  as  they  thought,  from  what  had  been  already 
said,  the  Board  would  attend  to  their  wants ;  and  if  they  did 
not,  they  should  be  very  much  grieved,  and  greatly  discour- 
aged, and  it  would  give  the  pagan  party  great  advantage. 
The  committee,  therefore,  are  of  opinion  that  God  has  opened 
a  door,  that  good  may  be  done  to  the  poor  Indians  at  Oneida. 
After  mature  consideration  and  prayer  to  God,  the  Board 
unanimously  resolved  to  establish  a  school  at  Oneida  ;  and 
appointed  Elds.  Kendrick,  Warren,  J.  Peck,  N.  Peck,  N. 
Cole,  N.  Baker,  and  F.  Freeman,  a  committee  to  carry  the 
above  resolution  into  effect.  The  above-named  committee, 
agreeably  to  their  instructions,  soon  erected  a  school-house, 
to  the  great  satisfaction  of  the  Indians.  It  was  found 
expedient  to  erect  the  school-house  on  the  public  square. 
The  committee  likewise  made  a  purchase  of  certain  lots  of 
land  in  the  village,  for  the  use  of  the  Society,  on  which  were 
soon  erected  houses  and  barns,  together  with  two  mechanics^ 
shops. 


76  BAPTIST    MISSIONARY    CONVENTION. 

The  Board,  at  their  meeting  in  Hamilton,  unanimously 
gave  Eld.  Robert  Powell  a  call  to  be  their  missionary  and 
school-teacher  at  Oneida.  Br.  Powell,  after  receiving  the 
call  of  the  Board,  and  taking  some  time  to  reflect  on  the 
subjectj  gave  his  answer,  in  the  following  letter  to  the  Board  : 

"Hamilton,  June  13,  1820. 

"  Dear  Brethren — The  time  is  almost  expired,  in  which 
you  were  to  expect  an  answer  to  your  proposal  with  respect 
to  my  becoming  your  school-master  to  the  Oneida  tribe  of 
Indians,  and  your  missionary  in  adjacent  settlements.  The 
subject  has  lain  with  no  small  weight  on  my  mind  since  it 
was  suggested  to  me.  It  exceeded  anything  I  ever  experienced 
before  :  the  conflict  has  been  severe,  but  the  struggle  is 
ended — the  decision  is  made — I  am  at  your  disposal ;  and  if 
I  can  be  useful  to  the  sons  of  the  forest  I  shall  be  happy. 

"  But  sure  I  am,  if  love  to  God  and  his  cause  is  not  the 
main-spring  of  my  desires,  it  would  be  better  for  me  never  to 
undertake  it.  My  expectations  are  not  sanguine,  of  imme- 
diate success  in  the  undertaking.  We  are  taught,  by  the 
experience  and  success  of  others,  that  the  habits  and 
traditions  of  the  heathen  are  not  overcome  at  once.  Flatter- 
ing prospects  often  promise  more  than  we  ever  realize  ; 
success  depends  upon  a  Divine  blessing.  We  are  to  persevere 
in  the  use  of  the  means  ;  it  is  God's  prerogative  to  give  them 
success.  Should  he  be  pleased  to  smile  upon  the  undertaking, 
and  make  me  instrumental  of  doing  some  little  good  to  the 
heathen  on  our  shores,  I  am  content  to  spend  my  days,  wear 
out,  and  die,  with  Indians. 

"  Subscribing  myself  yours,  in  the  bonds  of 
the  gospel,  I  remain  your  unworthy 
brother, 

"  Robert  Powell." 

Eld.  Powell,  having  accepted  the  call  of  the  Board, 
removed  his  family  to  Oneida,  and  on  the  4th  of  December, 
1820,  commenced  an  Indian  school.  By  a  letter  from  Br. 
Powell  to  the  Secretary,  dated  Jan.  19,  1821,  it  appeared 
that  the  school  was  in  prosperous  circumstances  :  the  number 
of  pupils  was  about  forty.  The  Indians  appeared  to  be  much 
pleased  with  the  school ;  the  proficiency  of  the  children  in 


INDIAN    AFFAIRS.  77 

their  learning  was  truly  flattering.  The  school  continued  in 
prosperous  circumstances  through  the  ensuing  season.  But 
the  expenses  of  the  Board,  in  forming  the  establishment  at 
Oneida,  were  very  great.  They  had  hitherto  sustained  it 
without  seeking  aid  from  abroad  ;  but  at  this  time  it  became 
necessary.  Accordingly,  the  Board  appointed  their  Presi- 
dent  to  take  a  journey  to  Washington,  to  solicit  aid  from 
the  general  government,  and  also  to  appeal  to  the  public 
liberality.  He  performed  the  journey,  and  by  God's  blessing 
he  received  from  the  War  Department  a  grant  of  8350,  to 
be  paid  annually;  from  the  brethren  and  sisters  in  New 
York,  together  with  some  donations  by  the  way,  the  sum  of 
$932  21,  which,  with  the  8350  from  the  government,  amounts 
to  81,282  21.  Of  this  sum  8950  11  was  in  cash;  and 
8332  10  in  books  and  articles  of  clothing.  This  collection, 
through  the  blessing  of  God,  was  made  in  the  short  time  of 
six  weeks.  When  the  report  was  made  to  the  Board,  it  had 
a  pleasing  effect ;  it  seemed  to  be  a  token  that  God  owned 
their  labors ;  therefore  they  thanked  God,  and  took  courage  ; 
and  with  renewed  energy  they  moved  forward  in  the  arduous 
work.  The  school  prospered,  notwithstanding  the  violent 
opposition  of  wicked  white  men,  who  labored  to  prejudice 
the  minds  of  the  Indians  against  the  Board;  and  affairs 
continued  in  a  pleasing  train  under  the  superintendence  of 
Br.  Powell,  who  was  very  active  in^discharging  the  duties  of 
a  superintendent,  missionary,  and  school-teacher.  His 
labors  in  all  these  branches  were  highly  acceptable,  and  duly 
appreciated  by  the  Board.  Under  his  tuition  upwards  of 
three  hundred  children  received  more  or  less  instruction ; 
and  his  labors  were  greatly  blessed,  among  both  white  men 
and  Indians.  But  to  the  great  regret  of  the  Board,  on  the 
8th  of  July,  1823,  on  account  of  a  bad  state  of  health,  he 
requested  a  dismission.  The  Board,  considering  his  request 
reasonable,  granted  his  dismission.  They  immediately 
addressed  a  letter  to  Eld.  Osgood,  of  Henderson,  Jeff.  Co., 
inviting  him  to  accept  the  superintendence  of  the  station. 
In  August  he  met  the  Board,  and  announced  his  acceptance 
bf  the  appointment.  Accordingly,  he  made  arrangements 
and  removed  his  family  to  Oneida  in  October  following.  At 
this  time  the  Board  employed  Br.  Ashnah  Lawton  to  teach 
the  school,  whose  exertions  in  its  management  gave  good 
satisfaction.  7 


73  BAPTIST    MISSIONARY  CONVENTION. 

Eld.  Osgood  was  performing  his  duties  as  superintendent 
greatly  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  Board,  and  for  the  prosper- 
ity of  the  establishment.  Sister  Osgood  had  been  received 
as  a  missionary,  and  had  the  charge  of  the  girls. 

Br.  J.  P.  Littlefield  boarded  the  boys.  Sister  Littlefield 
had  also  been  received  as  a  missionary.  Eld.  Osgood's 
influence  was  soon  seen  and  felt,  in  his  judicious  arrange- 
ment of  the  affairs  of  the  Society,  and  likewise  in  his  pre- 
paring the  way  for  the  establishment  of  a  missionary  church 
at  Oneida,  which,  through  his  exertions,  was  constituted 
March  10,  1824.  We  shall  now  give  an  extract  from  the 
minutes  of  the  council  that  gave  them  fellowship : 


MISSIONARY  CHURCH  CONSTITUTED  AT  0NEII>A. 

"A  council  convened  at  Oneida,  March  10,  1824,  by  the 
request  of  the  missionary  families,  and  others  residing  in 
that  place.  The  council  was  composed  of  the  Board  of  the 
H.  B.  M.  Society,  with  delegates  from  three  churches, 
together  with  Eld.  David  Pease,  of  Cazenovia,  and  EJd. 
Horace  Griswold,  of  Fabius.  After  due  examination,  the 
council  unanimously  agreed  to  give  them  fellowship  as  a 
church  of  Christ  in  gospel  order,  to  be  known  by  the  name 
of  the  Missionary  Baptist  church  in  Oneida.  The  number 
>  was  twenty ;  and  there  were  favorable  prospects  of  an 
increase  of  members.  They  also  publicly  recognized  Eld. 
E.  Osgood  as  pastor  of  the  church,  so  far  as  was  consistent 
with  his  duties  as  superintendent  of  the  missionary  establish- 
•Tnent.  The  President  gave  them  the  right  hand  of  fellow- 
ship ;  Eld.  T.  Purinton  delivered  an  appropriate  address  to 
the  church ;  Eld.  Pease  preached  a  sermon  from  1  Tim.  i. 
15  ;  and  Eld.  Griswold  offered  the  concluding  prayer.  The 
scene  was  solemn,  and  evident  tokens  of  the  approbation 
of  Heaven  were  enjoyed.  After  the  exercises  the  council 
repaired  to  the  Indian  school-house,  and  had  the  pleasure  of 
witnessing  the  prosperous  condition  of  the  school.  It  was 
an  interesting  interview.  The  spectators  were  greatly 
pleased  in  observing  the  order  and  regularity  evinced  in  the 
various  operations  of  the  scholars,  in  whom  they  dis- 
covered an  aptness  to  learn  satisfactory  to  every  reasonable 


INDIAN  AFFAIRS.  79 

person.  To  conclude  the  transactions  of  the  day,  Eld.  John 
S.  King  addressed  the  school,  and  offered  a  prayer  to  the 
throne  of  grace,  that  God  would  bless  and  prosper  the  insti- 
tution, and  specially  grant  the  blessing  of  salvation  upon  the 
Indian  children.     The  children  appeared  very  attentive." 

Soon  after  the  organization  of  the  church,  his  health 
began  to  fail.  In  his  report  to  the  Board,  May  15,  1824,  he 
says  :  "  My  own  health  has  been  very  poor,  so  that  I  have 
not  been  able  to  attend  to  the  concerns  of  the  mission  with 
that  energy  that  would  be  desirable.  I  have  done,  however, 
what  I  could ;  I  have  rendered  myself  familiar  to  the  Indians 
as  I  have  had  opportunity.  I  have  prevailed  on  several 
chiefs,  with  other  influential  Indians,  to  visit  the  school;  and 
they  have  all  appeared  to  be  highly  gratified.  There  is  no 
doubt  but  that  the  Society  is  gaining  influence  in  the  nation." 
On  the  last  Lord's  day  in  May,  1824,  he  preached  his  last 
sermon,  and  broke  bread  to  the  church  in  Oneida  for  the  last 
time.  He  was  very  weak;  but  his  words  seemed  to  be 
clothed  with  power.  It  was  thought  by  some,  at  this  time, 
that  it  would  be  his  last  sermon.  He  continued  failing  until 
Sept.  12,  1824,  when  he  fell  asleep  in  Jesus,  as  we  confidently 
hope.  For  further  particulars  respecting  his  life,  religious 
exercises,  active  and  unwearied  labors,  and  quiet  and  peace- 
ful death,  we  refer  our  readers  to  his  truly  interesting 
memoirs. 

Sept.  16, 1824.  The  Board  met  at  the  mission-house  in 
Oneida.  It  was  here  that  the  Board  received  the  afflicting 
intelligence  of  his  death.  He  died  at  Utica,  and  was  interred 
in  this  village  on  the  14th  of  Sept.  .Upon  receiving  this 
painful  stroke  of  Divine  Providence,  the  Board  requested 
sister  Osgood  to  continue  at  the  station  as  a  missionary,  and 
take  charge  of  the  Indian  girls,  to  board  and  instruct  them. 
Sister  Osgood  willingly  accepted  the  call ;  and  continued 
her  faithful  and  useful  labors  to  the  entire  satisfaction  of  the 
Board,  until  the  mission  was  removed  to  Tonawanda. 


HAMILTON    MISSIONARY    SOCIETY. 


The  thirteenth  annual  meeting  of  the  Hamilton  Baptist 
Missionary  Society  was  held  at  Hamilton,  Feb.  21,  1821. 
Sermon  by  Eld.  Bennett;  after  which  twenty-six  Female 
and  two  Juvenile  Societies,  together  with  several  indviduals, 
presented  donations  to  the  amount  of  8646  65.  After 
receiving  the  donations,  the  Secretary  read  the  report  of  the 
Board,  which  was  accepted.  By  the  Treasurer's  report,  it 
appeared  that  the  receipts  for  the  year  past  were  81,571  56; 
expenditures,  81,351  47;  balance,  8220  39. 

Accounts  were  received  from  missionaries  of  one  hundred 
and  two  weeks  and  five  days'  service  performed  by  them. 
Then  proceeded  to  a  choice  of  officers  for  the  year  ensuing. 
The  Society  adjourned,  to  meet  at  New  Woodstock,  in  Feb., 
1822 — Eld.  T.  Purinton  to  preach  a  sermon;  in  case  of  fail- 
ure. Eld.  Obed  Warren.  We  give  a  short  extract  from  the 
report  of  the  Board : 

"  From  an  examination  of  the  returns  of  the  missionaries, 
it  appears  that  they  have  discharged  their  duties  in  a  faithful 
and  prudent  manner,  highly  acceptable  to  the  people  among 
whom  they  labored,  and  satisfactory  to  the  Board.  In  many 
instances  their  labors  have  been  crowned  with  the  blessing  of 
God,  which  forms  a  fresh  stimulus  to  renewed  exertion  in  this 
glorious  cause :  and  may  we  be  more  zealously  engaged  to 
diffuse  light  and  knowledge  among  those  who  are  destitute." 

We  shall  now  give,  as  a  specimen,  a  short  extract  from  a 
report  of  one  of  the  missionaries.  Eld.  Nathaniel  J.  Gilbert 
labored  seven  weeks  and  five  days,  chiefly  on  the  Holland 
Purchase.  He  informs  us,  "  That  at  Mud  Creek  the  Lord  has 
poured  out  his  Spirit  on  a  school  and  neighborhood,  and  num- 
bers have  been  called  to  realize  their  election  of  God ;"  that  "  at 
Concord  the  Lord  has  of  late  poured  out  his  Spirit,  and  a  church 
has  arisen ;"  that  '  at    Bethany  the  Lord  has  displayed  his 


HAMILTON    MISSIONARY  SOCIETY.  81 

pardoning  love,  and  a  church  has  been  organized ;  and  the 
prospects  are  pleasing;"  that  "  in  Warsaw  God  has  shone 
upon  his  people  with  the  rays  of  Divine  mercy  ;  and  the 
little  church,  which  was  in  a  low  condition,  has  broken  forth 
on  the  right  hand  and  left ;"  and  that  «  Gainsville,  too,  hath 
been  refreshed  by  the  outpouring  of  the  Divine  Spirit,  and  a 
considerable  number  have  become  the  subjects  of  saving 
grace." 

In  the  course  of  his  mission  he  preached  fifty-seven  sermons 
and  baptized  five  persons. 

At  their  meeting  in  May,  1820,  the  Board  resolved  to  con- 
tinue  their  exertions  for  Indian  reform  in  this  region  of  coun- 
try. To  this  result  they  were  directed  by  the  openings  of 
Providence,  and  assurances  from  the  General  Convention, 
held  at  Philadelphia,  of  their  interest  in  the  measure,  and 
their  resolution  to  aid  in  the  important  work,  if  requested. 

There  are  now  connected  with  this  Society  forty-five 
Female  and  three  Juvenile  Societies. 

The  fourteenth  annual  meeting  of  the  Hamilton  Baptist 
Missionary  Society  was  held  at  New  Woodstock,  Feb.  20, 
1822.  Sermon  by  Eld.  Purinton,  from  Micah  vi.  8.  Let- 
ters  from  Female  and  Juvenile  Societies,  accompanied  with 
their  donations,  were  received.  The  Secretary  and  Treasu- 
rer  read  their  reports,  which  were  accepted.  Br.  J.  Peck, 
having  been  appointed  to  go  to  New  York  and  Washington 
to  solicit  aid  to  the  funds,  made  his  report,  by  which  it 
appeared  that  his  labors  had  been  abundantly  blessed,  in  con- 
sequence of  which  the  treasury  was  greatly  replenished  ;  he 
having  received,  during  his  mission  of  six  weeks,  in  cash  and 
§oods,  the  sum  of  ^1,282  21. 

The  Society  then  proceeded  to  the  choice  of  officers  for 
the  year  ensuing ;  and  then  adjourned,  to  meet  at  Homer,  in 
Feb.,  1823— Eld.  J.  Peck  to  preach,  Eld.  N.  Kendrick  his 
substitute. 

Extract  from  the  Treasurer's  Report, 

Receipts  for  the  year  1821,  including  the  balance  in  the 
treasury,  $2,670  97 

■  Expenditures,  2,004  48 

Balance  remaining,  $666  49 

7* 


S2  BAPTIST    MISSIONARY    CONVENTION. 

Extract  from  the  Secretary's  Report. 

"  In  connection  with  the^'school  at  Oneida,'^the  Board  being 
solicited  by  leading  men  of  the  tribe,  and  encouraged  by  the 
provisions  of  the  general  government,  have  undertaken  to 
assist  and  instruct  the  Indians  in  some  of  the  mechanical 
arts.  They  have,  therefore,  employed  Br.  Rufus  Chapin  as 
a  carpenter,  and  Br.  George  Burton  as  a  blacksmith,  to  labor 
for  the  Indians,  and  instruct  some  of  their  young  men  in 
both  of  these  arts. 

"  During  part  of  the  past  year  the  Board  have  employed 
iifteen  missionaries  ;  so  that  ninety -six  weeks'  and  two  days' 
labor  have  actually  been  performed,  besides  one  year's  ser- 
vice of  Eld.  R.  Powell  at  Oneida, 

"  The  returns  of  the  missionaries,  generally,  have  been  of 
a  cheering  nature.  They  have  administered  baptism  to  about 
seventy  hopeful  believers,  besides  bearing  the  tidings  of  sal- 
vation to  thousands  perishing  for  lack  of  vision.  In  every 
part  of  the  harvest,  where  they  have  labored,  a  great  deal 
remains  to  be  done.  Thousands  are  perishing  for  the  word 
of  life,  and  calls  are  imperious  for  the  continuance  of  our 
exertions.  Every  year  furnishes  a  wider  range  for  the  exer- 
cise of  our  benevolence,  in  propagating  the  gospel,  both 
among  the  aboriginals  and  the  white  population  of  the  wil- 
derness. It  appears  evident  that  the  time  has  come  for  the 
gospel  to  be  made  known  to  the  savage  nations  that  remain 
in  the  uncultivated  portions  of  our  country ;  and  the  same 
spirit  which  is  urging  us  to  pray,  and  put  forth  efforts,  for 
their  salvation,  is  creating  desires  in  many  of  their  hearts 
for  the  gospel  to  be  spread  among  them. 

"  Grateful  acknowledgements  are  due  to  a  gracious  Provi- 
dence, which  has  hitherto  watched  over  the  interests  of  this 
Society,  and  directed  its  operations,  accompanying  them  with 
the  Spirit's  influences,  which  have  caused  the  wilderness  and 
solitary  place  to  be  glad,  the  lame  man  to  leap  as  an  hart, 
and  the  tongue  of  the  dumb  to  sing. 

"  The  Board  feel  peculiarly  gratified  with  the  progress  and 
prospects  of  the  school  at  Oneida.  The  names  of  one  hun- 
dred and  twenty  children  are  on  the  teacher's  hst,  who  have 
entered  the  school,  and  the  average  niuiiber  of  attendants  at 
present  is  about  forty. 


HAMILTON    3IISSI0NARY    SOCIETY.  83 

"  The  arduous  and  complicated  labors  which  have  devolved 
on  the  Board,  to  apply  your  benevolence  with  discretion'  to 
the  objects  of  mercy,  have  been  accompanied  with  unceasing 
supplications  for  Divine  direction,  and  a  solemn  conscious- 
ness that  he  that  planteth  is  nothing,  and  he  that  watereth  is 
nothing,  but  God  that  giveth  the  increase.  May  he  also 
create  a  defense  upon  all  his  glory,  and  clothe  his  instruments 
with  humility  as  with  a  garment." 

The  fifteenth  annual  meeting  of  the  Hamilton  Baptist 
Missionary  Society  was  held  at  Homer,  Feb.  19,  1823. 
Sermon  by  Eld.  J.  Peck,  from  Eph.  vi.  8  :  "  To  make  known 
the  mystery  of  the  gospel."  They  had  received  into  the 
treasury  during  the  past  year,  in  cash  and  goods,  $2,685  65  ; 
which  they  expended  in  paying  missionaries,  agents,  erecting 
buildings,  and  sustaining  the  school  at  Oneida.  The  success 
of  the  agents  in  collecting  funds,  and  particularly  the  success 
of  Eld.  A.  Bennett  in  Connecticut,  Rhode  Island,  and  Mas- 
sachusetts, is  a  subject  of  grateful  acknowledgement.  Much 
assistance  has  been  received  from  the  Black  River  country, 
through  the  active  labors  of  Eld.  Emory  Osgood.  Eld.  N. 
Peck  was  also  successful  in  procuring  funds  at  the  west. 
God  is  opening  the  hearts  and  hands  of  many  to  assist,  with 
their  prayers  and  substance,  in  propagating  his  gospel  among 
those  who  dwell  in  the  shadow  of  death. 

We  have  received  accounts  of  eighty-four  weeks'  service 
performed  by  our  missionaries  the  year  past.  Also  one 
year's  missionary  labor  by  Br.  R.  Powell,  at  Oneida,  and 
places  in  the  vicinity.  The  labors  of  our  missionaries  have 
been  crowned  with  the  rich  blessing  of  Heaven.  The 
report  closes  by  observing — 

"  The  tide  of  emigration  west,  which  is  spreading  over 
extensive  regions,  is  continually  enlarging  the  missionary 
field ;  and  the  claims  of  the  destitute,  on  this  favored  part  of 
Zion,  are  every  year  increasing.  The  success  with  which 
God  has  honored  this  Society  demands  the  most  grateful 
sense  of  his  mercy,  while  it  authorizes  an  unshaken  confi- 
dence in  his  future  blessing  on  the  same  humble  endeavors 
to  spread  his  gospel.  Let  no  heart  fain  I,  no  hand  be  weak, 
in  this  glorious  cause.  *  For  ye  know  the  grace  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  that,  though  he  was  rich,  yet  for  your  sakes  he 


84  BAPTIST   MISSIONARY  CONVENTION. 

became  poor,  that  ye  through  his  povertymight  be  made  rich.' " 
The  sixteenth  annual  meeting  of  the  Hamilton  Baptist 
Missionary  Society  was  held  at  Eaton,  Feb.  18, 1824.  Eld. 
N.  Cole  preached  a  sermon.  Psalm  xliii.  3  :  "  O  send  out  thy 
light  and  thy  truth."  The  reports  of  the  Secretary,  Treas- 
urer, Superintendent,  Superintending  Committee,  and  School- 
teacher, were  read  and  accepted. 

Treasury  Account,  for  the  year  ending  Feb.  11,  1824. 

The  sum  received,  together  with  the  balance  in  the  treas* 

ury,  was  $1,851  73 

Expenditures,  1,851  73 

Abstract  from  the  report  of  the  Board, 

"During  the  past  year  the  Board  have  endeavored  to  con- 
sult the  best  interests  of  the  Society.  They  have  appointed 
missionaries,  from  whom  they  have  received  returns  amounting 
to  eighty-nine  weeks. 

"  In  consequence  of  repeated  solicitations  from  three 
brethren  living  in  Syracuse,  after  a  close  investigation  of  the 
subject,  the  Board,  viewing  the  importance  of  the  station, 
and  the  destitute  condition  of  some  of  the  toirns  adjacent, 
were  unanimously  of  the  opinion  that  it  was  their  duty  to 
establish  a  missionary  at  Syracuse,  whose  duty  it  should  be 
to  labor  in  that  village,  and  in  places  adjacent.  Accordingly, 
in  March,  1823,  Eld.  Nathaniel  J.  Gilbert  was  appointed 
to  that  station,  and  in  May  he  commenced  his  labors  in  ' 
that  place. 

The  Board  have  been  enabled  to  continue  their  operations 
at  Oneida ;  and  the  condition  of  the  establishment  at  present 
appears  favorable.  They  have  hadto  encounter  many  obsta- 
cles thrown  in  their  way  by  the  enemy,  to  excite  the  pre- 
judices of  the  Indians,  and  awakentheir  jealousies.  But 
confiding  in  the  good  providence  ofGod,  they  still  go  forward, 
fearless  of  evil. 

"  It  is  with  pleasure  we  contemplate  the  rising  glories  of 
the  Redeemer's  kingdom  in  the  world.  Divine  philanthropy 
seems  pervading  the  earth  ;  multitudes  have  caught  the  flame, 
and  are  exerting  all  their  energies  to  promote  the  triumphs  of 


HAMILTON   MISSIONARY  SOCIETY.  85 

the  cross.  And  with  inexpressible  pleasure  we  recognize 
you,  dear  brethren,  as  zealous  in  this  blessed  cause.  It 
appears  that  Heaven  approves  your  conduct,  and  has  hitherto 
succeeded  your  labors.  You  will  readily  perceive  that  our 
operations  are  extending,  and  consequently  call  for  unremit- 
ting exertions  on  our  part  to  meet  the  current  expenses.  We 
presume  that  it  is  only  necessary  to  make  you  acquainted 
with  the  state  of  affairs,  to  call  forth  your  utmost  exertions 
in  this  blessed  cause.  It  is  with  pleasure  we  anticipate  the 
termination  of  the  important  contest  between  truth  and  error, 
and  when  our  blessed  Redeemer  will  reign  unrivaled  over  all 
the  earth.  But  we  can  not  close  this  report  without  express- 
ing our  grateful  acknowledgements  to  the  female  and  juvenile 
associations  auxiUary  to  this  Society ;  to  the  Black  River, 
St.  Lawrence,  and  Mexico,  Missionary  Societies ;  and  also 
to  numerous  individuals  who  have  generously  contributed  to 
aid  in  carrying  into  effect  the  benevolent  designs  of  this  body." 

The  seventeenth  meeting  of  the  Hamilton  Baptist  Mission- 
ary Society  was  held  at  Nelson,  Feb.  23,  1825.  Eld.  Ben- 
nett preached  the  sermon,  from  Isaiah  xxviii.  29.  The  Sec- 
retary's and  other  reports  were  read  and  accepted.  The 
school-teacher,  and  four  of  his  pupils,  were  present,  and  their 
exhibitions  were  very  interesting.  Conversation  was  had 
concerning  the  alteration  of  the  name  of  the  Society; 
whereupon  a  vote  was  passed,  that  a  petition  be  presented  to 
the  Legislature,  praying  for  an  alteration  in  the  act  of  incor- 
poration, so  far  as  to  alter  the  name  of  the  Society  to  that  of 
the  Baptist  Missionary  Convention  of  the  State  of  New  York  ; 
and  also  to  increase  the  number  of  Directors  to  thirty.  The 
Board  were  directed  to  present  the  petition.  They  adjourned, 
to  meet  at  Fabius,  on  the  Wednesday  after  the  third  Lord's 
day  in  May  next. 

Extracts  from  the  Secretary's  Report  for  1824. 

"  During  the  past  year,  received  reports  of  missionary  ser- 
vices performed  to  the  amount  of  sixty-five  weeks.  The 
accounts  from  the  missionaries  were  very  satisfactory,  and 
seemed  to  indicate  the  approbation  of  Heaven. 

"  Agents  were  appointed  to  perform  certain  duties,  which 


86  BAPTIST    MISSIONARY  CONVENTION. 

they  have  faithfully  performed.  The  Board  feel  constrained 
gratefully  to  acknowledge  the  generous  and  prompt  assistance 
they  have  received  from  a  liberal  public.  The  Board  have 
in  all  their  proceedings  enjoyed  harmony  and  unanimity. 

"  The  affairs  of  the  Society  were  advancing  prosperously, 
when  a  mysterious  stroke  of  Divine  Providence  seemed  for  a 
while  to  cast  a  gloom  over  the  whole  scene.  They  allude  to 
the  death  of  their  sincerely  lamented  superintendent  at  the 
Indian  station,  Eld.  Emory  Osgood,  who  departed  this  life  at 
Utica,  Sept.  12,  1824.  He  had  been  in  the  service  of  the 
Society  but  a  few  months  :  but  through  his  zeal  and  activity 
he  had  done  much  in  regulating  affairs  at  the  mission  station. 
The  concerns  of  the  Society  had,  under  his  direction,  assumed 
a  pleasing  aspect.  Through  the  influence  of  the  late  super- 
intendent, a  Baptist  church  was  organized  at  Oneida,  March 
10,  1824,  consisting  of  twenty  members.  The  school  contin- 
ues in  a  flourishing  condition.  Forty  children  are  now  under 
the  exclusive  patronage  of  the  Society.  Br.  A.  Lawton  con- 
tinues as  a  teacher  of  the  school,  and  gives  general  satisfaction. 
The  pupils  make  good  proficiency  in  their  studies." 

At  the  meeting  of  the  Board,  in  August  last.  Eld.  Sylvanus 
Haynes  and  Dea.  Squire  Manro,  members  of  the  Board  of 
the  New  York  State  Convention,  were  present,  and  expressed 
a  strong  desire  that  a  committee  from  this  Board  should  meet 
the  Convention  at  Elbridge,  in  October  next,  for  the  purpose 
of  effecting  a  union  between  the  two  bodies,  if  practicable. 
A  committee  was  accordingly  appointed,  who,  in  company 
with  several  members  of  the  Board  and  of  the  Society,  met 
the  Convention.  Whereupon  the  Convention  appointed  a 
committee  to  confer  with  them  upon  the  great  object  in  view. 
During  the  conference,  the  committee  did  not  for  a  moment 
lose  sight  of  those  plain  and  practical  principles  incorporated 
in  the  constitution  of  the  Society,  under  which  we  have  for 
seventeen  years  so  happily,  unitedly,  and  successfully,  rallied. 
They  saw  no  cause  to  abandon  those  principles ;  although 
they  desired  an  increase  of  influence  and  usefulness,  v/hich 
union  with  their  brethren  was  calculated  to  effect.  Afler  due 
deliberation,  the  committee  of  the  Convention  agreed  to 
recommend  to  that  body  the  adoption  of  the  constitution  of 
this  Society,  with  an  alteration  of  the  name  of  this  Society, 
and  an  increase  in  the  number  of  Directors.    The  committee 


HAMILTON   MISSIONARY  SOCIETY.  87 

of  the  Board  could  see  no  reasonable  objection  to  this  meas- 
ure ;  therefore,  they  agreed  to  recommend  it  to  your  atten- 
tion. Accordingly,  a  special  meeting  of  the  Society  was 
called  in  November  last,  but  on  account  of  the  badness  of 
the  roads,  and  inclemency  of  the  weather,  but  few  members 
attended.  However,  matters  were  arranged  then,  as  far  as 
was  consistent,  in  anticipation  of  a  complete  union  at  this 
time. 

On  a  review  of  the  scenes  through  which  the  Board  have 
pzissed  the  last  year,  they  have  much  cause  for  thanksgiving 
to  God  for  his  special  care  over  them,  and  his  multiplied 
blessings  conferred  upon  them.  The  affairs  of  the  Society, 
although  restricted  for  want  of  adequate  funds,  have  yet  pro- 
ceeded with  a  steadiness  which  indicates  the  fostering  care  of 
Divine  Providence,  and  presages  the  future  benefits  to  be 
derived  from  the  united  efforts  of  the  friends  of  religious 
improvement.  An  impartial  view  of  the  existing  state  of 
things  in  our  degenerate  world  will  serve  to  convince  us  of  the 
necessity  of  unremitting  exertions  for  maintaining  the  blessed 
cause  of  our  glorious  Redeemer.  For  this  cause,  a  combi- 
nation  of  strength  and  a  union  of  effort  are  highly  requisite. 
In  this  State  there  are  more  than  thirty-nine  thousand  church- 
members  of  the  Baptist  denomination.  Let  these  be  united 
in  one  body,  and  what  a  formidable  phalanx  would  be  pre- 
sented to  the  enemy  !  And  is  it  not  desirable  that  measures 
be  adopted  to  produce  such  a  union,  that  the  whole  strength 
of  the  denomination  may  be  brought  to  bear  on  one  point? 
It  is  with  pleasure  that  we  view  the  indications  of  the  com- 
plete  triumph  of  our  glorious  Redeemer.  Intelligence  is 
received,  from  almost  every  part  of  the  habitable  globe,  of 
the  increase  of  light,  and  of  submission  to  the  King  of  Zion. 
Jehovah  is  executing  judgment  upon  the  gods  of  the  heathen  ; 
multitudes  of  idols  are  thrown  to  the  moles  and  bats,  or  given 
to  the  flames.  At  the  command  of  her  King,  Zion  awakes  ; 
she  listens  to  his  voice,  and  begins  to  assume  her  beautiful 
garments,  and  appears  clothed  in  beauty  and  arrayed  in 
terror.  How  lovely  the  appearance  !  Songs  are  heard  from 
the  ends  of  the  earth,  giving  glory  to  our  God.  Let  us  arise, 
and  with  united  hearts  and  joyful  voices  swell  the  glorious 
triumph.  But  while  we  contemplate  the  noble  scene,  we 
should  remember  that  we  must  be  active  in  the  blessed  service. 


88  BAPTIST    MISSIONARY  CONVENTION. 

On  Wednesday,  May  18, 1825,  the  Hamilton  Baptist  Mis- 
sionary Society  met,  pursuant  to  adjournment,  at  the  meeting, 
house  in  Fabius.  An  appropriate  sermon  was  deUvered  by 
Eld.  Daniel  Hascall,  from  Matt.  vi.  19,  20. 

Eld.  John  Peck,  the  President  of  the  Society,  gave  infor- 
mation that,  agreeably  to  the  petition  of  the  Board,  the  Legis- 
lature  had  passed  a  law,  altering  the  name  of  the  Society  so 
as  to  read  as  follows  : 

An  Act  to  alter  the  name  of  the  Hamilton  Baptist  Mission- 
ary Society,  and  to  increase  the  number  of  their  Directors. 
(Passed  April  15,  1825.) 

"  Be  it  enacted  by  the  People  of  the  State  of  New  York, 
represented  in  Senate  and  Assembly^  That  the  Hamilton 
Baptist  Missionary  Society  shall  hereafter,  and  from  the  date 
of  this  act,  be  known  and  called  by  the  name  of  the  '  Baptist 
Missionary  Convention  of  the  State  of  New  York  ;'  and 
that  the  said  Convention  have  power  to  increase  the  number 
of  their  Directors  ;  and  that  so  much  of  the  act  passed  March 
28,  1817,  incorporating  the  Hamilton  Baptist  Missionary 
Society,  as  relates  to  the  name  and  style  of  said  Society,  be 
repealed." 

A  collection  of  817  85  was  taken. 

Let  all  those  who  profess  to  love  the  Lord,  consider  the 
necessity  of  exerting  all  their  energies  to  accomplish  a  com- 
plete  union  among  the  friends  of  Zion,  and  to  diffuse  the  |ight  of 
the  gospel  among  the  destitute.  There  is  much  work  before 
us,  and  many  calls  to  renewed  exertions.  Remember  our 
poor  red  brethren  in  the  midst  of  us.  Go  to  Oneida,  Tona- 
wanda,  Buffalo,  &c.  &;c.,  and  see  there  a  multitude  of  inter- 
esting children  in  all  the  extremity  of  wretchedness.  And 
does  not  Jesus  say,  Take  these  children,  and  bring  them  up 
for  me  ?  How  many  of  the  heathen  are  perishing  for  lack  of 
vision  !  How  many  precious  souls,  in  our  towns  and  plan- 
tations, are  destitute  of  the  bread  of  life  !  And  how  many 
feeble  churches  have  no  one  to  lead  them,  or  to  administer 
to  them  the  word  of  life  !  And  do  we  not  perceive  that  the 
enemy  is  on  the  alert,  endeavoring  to  rally  his  broken  forces, 
and  fall  upon  the  waste  places  of  Zion  ?     Iniquity  abounds, 


HAMILTON   MISSrONAEY  SOCIETY*  8B 

and  the  love  of  many  waxes  cold.  In  this  emergency  it 
becomes  the  friends  of  the  Redeemer  to  come  up  to  the  help 
of  the  Lord  against  the  mighty.  In  such  a  cause  none 
should  be  remiss.  Should  our  country  be  invaded  by  an 
enemy,  that  should  threaten  our  lives  and  liberties,  and  the 
destruction  of  our  families,  would  not  every  man  be  at  his 
post  ?  Would  he  hesitate  to  part  with  all  his  worldly  property, 
if  required,  to  repel  the  invader,  and  save  his  family  ?  But 
here  is  an  enemy,  the  most  cruel  and  dangerous,  who  threatens 
the  destruction  of  both  soul  and  body.  And  are  we  insensi- 
ble  of  his  fatal  inroads  ?  How  many  of  our  dear  children 
and  friends  are  led  in  chains  by  this  cruel  enemy!  And 
shall  we  sleep  ?  Shall  we  sit  down  and  fold  our  hands  1 
Shall  we  continue  to  hug  our  wealth,  and  remain  unmoved, 
while  the  cries  of  the  wretched  are  sounding  in  our  ears  ? 
Do  we  not  remember  the  bitter  curse  denounced  on  some  who 
came  not  up  to  the  help  of  the  Lord  against  the  mighty  ?  In 
a  word,  let  the  importance  of  the  cause,  the  glory  of  God, 
the  salvation  of  souls,  and  our  own  happiness,  arouse  us  to 
united  and  vigorous  exertions  in  this  most  glorious  cause. 
By  order  of  the  Board. 

John  Peck,  Pres. 
John  Lawton,  Sec. 

A  collection  of  817  85  was  taken  for  missionary  purposes. 
After  due  consideration,  it  was  unanimously  voted  to  amend 
the  constitution  so  as  to  read  in  the  following  words: 


CONSTITUTION. 

Art.  1.  This  Society  shall  be  known  by  the  name  of  the 
"  Baptist  Missionary  Convention  of  the  State  of  New  York." 

Art.  2.  The  Convention  shall  consist  of  those  only  who 
shall  subscribe  to  this  constitution,  and  pay  at  least  one 
dollar  annually  into  its  funds. 

Art.  3.  The  object  of  this  Convention  shall  be  to  send 
the  gospel,  and  other  means  of  promoting  the  knowledge  of 
God,  among  such  of  our  fellow-creatures  as  are  destitute  ; 
and  that  either  stationary  or  occasionally,  as  prudence  may 
dictate  and  funds  admit. 


86  BAPTIST    MISSIONARY  CONVENTION. 

Art.  4.  The  Convention,  at  each  annual  meeting,  shall 
appoint  a  moderator  and  a  recording  secretary  of  the  meet- 
ing. 

Art.  5.  The  members,  at  their  annual  meeting,  shall,  by 
ballot,  appoint  a  President,  Secretary,  Treasurer,  and  thirty 
Directors.  The  President,  Secretary,  Treasurer,  and  twenty 
of  the  Directors,  shall  be  members  in  good  standing  in  some 
regular  Baptist  church.  These  thirty-three  officers  shall 
compose  a  Board,  of  which  the  President  shall  be  chairman, 
and  the  Secretary  clerk. 

Art.  6.  The  President,  by  the  consent  of  five  of  the 
Directors,  shall  have  power  to  call  a  meeting  of  the  Conven- 
tion, whenever  to  him  it  shall  appear  necessary ;  also,  as 
chairman  of  the  Board,  he  shall  have  power,  at  his  discre- 
tion, to  call  a  meeting  of  the  Directors ;  and  it  shall  be  his 
duty  to  call  a  meeting  whenever  requested  by  five  members  of 
the  Board. 

Art.  7.  The  chairman,  with  five  other  members  of  the 
Board,  shall  form  a  quorum  to  do  business ;  and  in  case  of 
the  chairman's  absence,  any  six  members. 

Art.  8.  The  Board  shall  have  power  to  apply  the  funds 
according  to  their  discretion,  in  all  cases  in  which  they  shall 
not  be  restricted  by  the  special  direction  of  the  Convention. 

Art.  9.  They    shall  have  power  to   appoint  and    dismiss 
missionaries,   to  form  and  locate  executive  committees,  and 
'to  transact  all  other  necessary  business  of  the   Convention 
during  its  recess. 

Art.  10.  The  Board  of  Directors  shall  annually  exhibit 
to  the  Convention  a  particular  account  of  the  missionaries 
"by  them  employed ;  the  places  to  which  they  are,  or  have 
been,  sent ;  their  prospect  of  success  ;  the  state  of  the  funds  ; 
their  receipts  and  expenditures  ;  and  whatever  relates  to  the 
institution. 

Art.  11.  The  Treasurer  shall  exhibit,  both  to  the  Conven- 
tion and  Board,  the  state  of  the  treasury  whenever  called  upon 
for  that  purpose ;  and  give  sufficient  security  for  the  funds 
placed  in  his  hands. 

Art.  12.  The  Secretary  shall  correctly  and  fairly  transcribe 
and  record  the  proceedings  of  the  Convention  and  Board,  in 
a  book  furnished  at  the  expense  of  the  Convention. 

Art.  13.  In  order  more  effectually  to  aid  the  intention  of 


HAMILTON    MISSIONARY  SOCIETY,  87 

the  Convention,  a  subscription  shall  be  kept  open  for  the 
benefit  of  the  funds,  that  all  who  are  disposed  may  do  some- 
thing to  promote  so  laudable  an  undertaking. 

Art.  14.  The  annual  meeting  of  the  Convention  shall  be 
on  the  third  Wednesday  of  October,  at  10  o'clock,  A.  M.,  at 
such  place  as  the  Convention  from  time  to  time  may  direct. 

Art.  15.  Any  person  paying  ten  dollars  in  cash  at  one 
time,  will  be  considered  as  a  member  of  the  Convention  for 
Ufe. 

Art.  16.  Any  member  of  this  Convention  wishing  to 
discontinue  his  membership,  upon  paying  all  dues  may  have 
his  name  erased. 

Art.  17,  Any  number  of  persons  associated  for  mission- 
ary purposes,  upon  a  constitution  adapted  to  the  interests  of 
this  Convention,  may  become  auxiliary  to  this  Convention. 
And  all  members  of  such  societies,  who  pay  one  dollar  to  the 
funds,  shall  be  considered  as  members  of  this  Convention. 
Any  auxiliary  society  or  any  individual,  who  shall  pay  fifty 
dollars  in  cash  or  produce  into  the  treasury  of  this  Conven- 
tion annually,  shall  have  a  right  to  appoint  a  member  to  act 
in  the  Board  of  Directors ;  and  one  member  for  every  addi- 
tional hundred  dollars. 

Art.  18.  The  Convention  shall  have  power,  at  their 
annual  meetings,  to  make  such  alterations  and  additions  as 
experience  shall  dictate,  by  a  majority  of  three-fourths  of 
the  members  present. 

The  constitution,  thus  amended,  was  unanimously  adopted. 
Upon  its  adoption,  the  much-desired  coalition  took  place, 
and  the  two  bodies  cordially  united  ;  thereby  combining  the 
strength  and  consolidating  the  energies  of  the  missionary 
interests  in  the  State- 
Immediately  after  the  union  was  effected,  the  individuals 
who  were  elected  by  the  State  Convention  at  their  meeting  in 
Elbridge,  were  chosen  to  act  as  the  Board  under  the  new 
organization. 

The  Board,  under  the  new  arrangement,  met  at  Fabius, 
May  18,  1825.  Eld.  J.  N.  Brown  made  a  report  of  his 
proceedings  as  a  missionary  at  Buffalo,  which  was  deemed 
highly  satisfactory.  Br.  A.  M.  Beebee  was  appointed  editor 
of  the  ^'  Baptist  Register,"  and  general  agent  for  the  super- 


88  BAPTIST    MISSIONARY    CONVENTION. 

intendence  of  its  concerns*  They  proceeded  to  instruei 
their  missionaries  and  agents  to  exert  themselves  in  obtaining 
subscribers  for  the  "Baptist  Register;"  and  also  to  receive 
moneys  due  for  the  same.  They  likev/ise  agreed  that  the 
publication  of  the  "  Western  Magazine"  should  be  continued 
to  the  close  of  the  fourth  volume,  and  then  discontinued ; 
and  that  the  present  editors  continue  the  management  of  the 
concern  until  its  completion. 

In  consequence  of  numerous  applications,  they  appointed 
missionaries  for  the  term  of  two  years  and  eighteen  v/eeks. 
They  also  appointed  Elds.  J.  Peck,  R.  Powell,  and  E.  Galu- 
sha,.  an  executive  committee,  to  manage  the  whole  of  the 
concerns  of  the  missionary  establishment  at  Oneida.  And 
having  transacted  some  local  business,  they  adjourned,  to 
meet  at  Sangersfield,  the  3d  Wednesday  in  August  next — - 
Eld.  Haynes  to  preach.  Eld.  Comstockhis  substitute,. 


BAPTIST    MISSIONARY    CONVENTION, 


We  purpose  now  to  give  a  brief  sketch  of  the  rise  of  the 
Baptist  Missionary  Convention  of  the  State  of  New  York 
and  its  vicinity. 

In  the  year  1821  a  general  opinion  prevailed  that  the  time 
had  arrived  when  the  strength  of  the  denomination  should 
be  concentrated,  and  brought  more  distinctly  to  bear  upon 
the  great  missionary  enterprise.  There  had  existed,  for 
several  years,  small  missionary  societies  and  associations,  in 
different  parts  of  the  State,  operating  to  the  extent  of  their 
means,  but  without  concert ;  and  it  was  the  opinion  of 
many  judicious  brethren  that  a  missionary  state  convention 
might  be  formed,  upon  such  principles  as  would  secure  the 
united  action  of  all  these  bodies,  and  bring  to  their  aid  a 
much  greater  amount  of  means  than  could  otherwise  be 
obtained  ;  and  thus  enable  them  to  do  more  in  supplying  the 
destitute  with  the  gospel  than  they  were  doing.  With  these 
views  the  Hudson  River  Association,  at  their  session  in  August, 
1821,  adopted  the  following  resolutions : 

"  Resolved,  That  a  circular  letter  be  written  and  addressed 
to  all  the  regular  Baptist  associations  in  this  State  ;  inviting 
them  to  express  distinctly,  in  their  minutes,  their  deliberate 
opinion  on  the  propriety  of  constituting  a  general  convention 
of  the  State  of  New  York,  to  be  composed  of  delegates  from 
every  association  in  the  State  which  may  be  favorable  to  the 
measure ;  and  that  a  committee  be  appointed  to  draft  such  a 
circular,  expressing  the  object  to  be  gained  by  such  a  conven- 
tion, and  present  it  to  the  next  association, 

"  Resolved,  That  Brn.  Malcom,  Leonard,  and  Sommers,  be 
that  committee." 

At  the  meeting  of  the  Otsego  Association,  the  September 
following,  the  aforesaid  resolution  was  referred  to  a  commit- 
tee, consisting  of  Brn.  Elijah  F.  Willey,  Joseph  More,  and 
8* 


90  BAPTIST   MISSIONARY   CONVENTION. 

Charles  Babcock.  This  committee  reported  in  favor  of 
immediate  action,  but  recommended  that  the  proposed  Con- 
vention confine  its  efforts  to  the  support  of  domestic  missions. 
They  also  submitted  the  following  resolutions,  which  were 
unanimously  adopted,  viz. 

"  Resolved,  That  a  committee  of  three  be  appointed  by  this 
Association,  as  delegates,  to  meet  such  other  delegates  as  may 
be  appointed  by  sister  associations,  to  adopt  measures  for 
carrying  into  effect  the  above  object. 

"  Resolved,  That  the  delegates  be  requested  to  hold  their 
first  meeting  at  the  village  of  Mentz,  (near  Auburn,)  in  the 
county  of  Cayuga,  on  the  third  Wednesday  of  November 
next,  at  10  o'clock,  A.  M. 

"  Resolved,  That  we  earnestly  solicit  the  associations  in 
this  State  and  its  vicinity  to  unite  with  us  in  the  above  plan  ; 
and  that  such  as  may  convene  before  the  meeting  of  the 
convention  as  above,  at  Mentz,  will  appoint  delegates  to  meet 
at  the  above  time  and  place. 

"  Resolved,  That  Elds.  E.  Galusha  and  D.  Putman,  and  Dr. 
Babcock,  be  delegates  to  meet  as  above ;  and  that  Eld.  W. 
Windsor  be  substitute,  if  either  fail." 

In  accordance  with  this  resolution,  on  the  21st  of  Nov., 
1821,  delegates  duly  appointed  by  the  Otsego,  Oneida,  Madi- 
son,  Franklin,  and  Cayuga,  Associations,  assembled  in  the 
town  of  Mentz,  Cay.  Co.,  and  organized  under  the  name  of 
the  Baptist  Domestic  Missionary  Convention  of  the  State  of 
New  York  and  its  vicinity. 

A  constitution  was  adopted,  the  fourth  article  of  which 
says,  "  The  object  of  this  Convention  shall  be  to  promote 
domestic  missions."  The  first  officers  of  the  Convention 
were  as  follows,  viz»  Dea.  Squire  Manro,  President.  Eld. 
Sylvenus  Haynes,  Vice-President.  Eld.  Elijah  F.  Willey, 
Secretary.  Dr.  Charles  Babcock,  Treasurer.  Elds.  O.  C. 
Comstock,  Solomon  Goodale,  Elkanah  Comstock,  J.  S.  Twiss, 
John  Jeffries,  Dea.  Jonathan  Olmsted,  and  Brn.  Alexander 
M.  Beebee  and  Isaac  Geer,  Directors. 

Among  the  number  who  composed  the  meeting  were  those 
faithful  servants  of  the  Lord,  Elds.  Sylvenus  Haynes,  Caleb 
Douglass,  and  Joseph  More,  and  Deas.  Asher  Wetmore, 
Squire  Manro,  and  Dr.  Francis  Guiteau — men  full  of  faith 
and  of  the  Holy  Ghost ;  all  of  whom  have  ceased  from  their 


BAPTIST    MISSIONARY    CONVENTION.  91 

labors,  and,  we  believe,  have  entered  into  the  joy  of  their 
Lord.  No  one,  who  attended  the  meeting,  can  have  for- 
gotten the  singular  manifestation  of  God's  power  and  pre- 
sence then  and  there  enjoyed,  or  with  what  freedom,  faith, 
and  fervency,  God's  blessing  was  sought  upon  the  labors  of 
that  day.  Before  the  Convention  closed  its  session,  the 
following  address  was  adopted,  viz. 


"ADDRESS 

OF  THE  BAPTIST  DOMESTIC    MISSIONARY  CONVENTION  OF  THE 
STATE  OF  NEW  YORK  AND  ITS  VICINITY. 

To  all  the  Associations,  Missionary  Societies,  and  Churches,  within  the 
said  territory,  and  to  the  Christian  Public. 

"  At  a  time  when  the  dispensation  of  mercy  is  opening  to 
the  benighted  nations  of  the  earth — when  Christian  commu- 
nities, in  every  country,  are  awaking  from  their  long  slum- 
bers to  liberal  exertion — when  the  Bible  and  the  missionary 
are  making  their  peaceful  way  alike  into  the  palace  and  the 
cottage  of  the  heathen — with  peculiar  pleasure  we  witness 
the  benevolence,  assiduity,  and  perseverance,  of  many  do- 
mestic missionary  societies  now  in  existence,  and  most 
cheerfully  bid  them  God-speed.  They  have  done  what  they 
could.  Still,  it  is  much  to  be  lamented,  that,  for  want  of 
more  ample  means,  their  worthy  labors  are  far  from  supply, 
ing  with  the  precious  gospel  the  vast  multitude  in  our  coun- 
try who  are  perishing  for  lack  of  vision,  or  setting  in  '  order 
the  things  that  are  wanting '  in  the  destitute  churches. 

"  The  following  disadvantages  attend  the  present  state  of 
things : 

"  The  separate  funds  of  small  societies  do  not  enable  them 
to  employ,  in  all  cases,  men  well  qualified  for  the  arduous 
duties  assigned  them.  Where  missionaries  labor,  they  are 
taken  as  samples  of  the  denomination  by  which  they  are 
sent  out ;  or,  rather,  they  are  considered  as  the  ablest  among 
their  brethren.  Ought  we  not,  then,  to  select  for  such  an 
important  embassy  those  who  possess  the  best  talents,  and 
the  most  information,  as  well  as  the  greatest  share  of  pru- 
dence and  piety  ?     Missionaries  are  spiritual  planters  ;  and 


92  BAPTIST   MISSIONARY  CONVENTION. 

let  it  not  be  forgotten  that  such  was  the  appellation  of  a 
Paul,  not  of  an  Apollos.  It  is  a  painful  consideration  that 
the  limited  resources  of  our  present  societies  prevent  their 
employing  any  suitable  person  for  a  considerable  length  of 
time.  Consequently,  the  faithful  missionary,  after  entering 
an  important  field  of  labor,  and  seeing  the  pleasure  of  God 
begin  to  prosper  in  his  hand,  finds  that  the  term  of  his  mis- 
sion has  expired,  and  the  means  of  his  support  are  exhaust- 
ed. The  wants  of  his  distant  and  dependent  family  oppress 
his  mind,  and  urge  his  speedy  return  to  their  relief.  He 
fears,  on  the  one  hand,  the  just  charge  of  being  worse  than 
an  infidel  if  he  do  not  hasten  to  provide  for  his  own  house- 
hold, and,  on  the  other,  a  dreadful  woe  if  he  continue  not 
there  to  preach  the  gospel.  The  entreaties  and  tears  of 
anxious  sinners  and  ardent  converts  overcome  him — he 
tarries  a  few  days  longer — God  pours  out  his  Spirit — sinners 
are  regenerated — the  weeping  multitude  hang  upon  him, 
crying,  '  Do  not  leave  us !  we  fear  going  to  hell  without 
ever  hearing  another  gospel  sermon  ! '  But  the  time  has 
come,  and  he  must  tear  himself  from  them.  He  leaves  young 
and  inexperienced  converts  without  instruction,  without 
human  protection,  without  a  church  to  nourish  them,  exposed 
to  the  attacks  of  Satan,  the  corruptions  of  their  own  hearts, 
the  sophistry  and  malignity  of  infidels  and  false  professors. 
He  leaves  convicted  sinners  destitute  of  an  evangelical  mes- 
senger to  point  them  to  the  Lamb  of  God,  who  alone  can  take 
away  their  sin.  Could  such  provision  have  been  made,  by  an 
adequate  society,  as  would  enable  him  justifiably  to  continue 
a  month  or  two,  perhaps  many  precious  immortal  beings 
might,  through  his  instrumentality,  have  been  brought  out  of 
darkness  and  despair  into  the  light  of  life,  to  embrace  the 
hope  of  eternal  glory.  A  church  might  have  been  consti- 
tuted, and  a  flock  in  the  wilderness  inclosed  in  the  gospel 
fold. 

"  The  object  of  the  Convention  is  to  remove  such  evils, 
and  to  produce  a  greater  sum  of  good :  not  by  destroying, 
superseding,  or  opposing,  those  benevolent  missionary  socie- 
ties already  in  operation  ;  but  by  combining,  improving,  and 
maturing,  them. 

"  The  benefits  which  it  is  devoutly  hoped  will  result  from 
this  institution,  are, 


BAPTIST   MISSIONARY    CONVENTION.  93 

«1.  A  combination  of  energies,  efforts,  and  funds.     And 
let  it  be  remembered  that  '  combined  exertion   is  powerful 
exertion.'     As  extreme  heat  depends  on  the  concentration  of 
many  rays  into  a  single  point,  and  as  the  powerful  current  of 
a  majestic  river  is  produced  by  the  uniting  of  its   various 
tributary  streams,  so,  in  relation  to  doing  good,  the  strength 
of  the  churches  of  Christ  (as  far  as  human  ability  extends) 
consists  in  a   union  of  their  wisdom,   their   talents,    their 
graces,  their  charities,  and  their  exertions,  in    mutual  and 
friendly  co-operations.     In  blending  our  liberalities,  w^e  may 
be  able  more  largely  and  effectually  to  supply  the  destitute, 
by  commanding,  for  missionary  purposes,   the  first  talents 
and  graces  committed  to  our  denomination.    Is  it  not  highly 
important  that  those  who  enter  the  enemy's  territories,  to 
plant  the  standard  of  Emanuel,  should  be  well  acquainted 
with  his  mode  of  warfare  ?  and  that  he  who  lays  the  founda- 
tion of  God's  house  should  be  a  wise  master-builder  ?     How 
desirable  is  it  that  those  who  are  to  organize  churches  in  the 
moral  wilderness,  and  '  set  in  order  the  things  that  are  want- 
ing '  in  those  that  are  scattered,  divided,  or  distracted,  should 
be  wise  as  serpents  and  harmless  as  doves — that  they  should 
be  thoroughly  acquainted,  not  only  with  human  nature  and 
the  economy  of  Divine  grace,  but  with  the  discipUne  of  the 
house  of  God^ — that  they  may  be  able  to  answer  the  various 
inquiries  of  the  ignorant,  stop   the  mouths  of  gainsayers, 
reconcile  the  disaffected,  and  humble  the  vain-boaster  ?  Does 
not  the  honor  of  religion  and  the  good  of  souls  require  a  mis- 
sionary board,  whose  funds  wdll  authorize  them  to  say  to 
those  who  are  best  qualified  for  the  responsible  and  m.oment- 
ous  work  of  a  domestic  missionary,  '  Go,  enter  on  missionary 
ground,  and  there  continue  as  long  as  God  in  his  providence 
directs,  and  we  will  provide  for  your  family  and  flock  V 

"  2.  Tlie  collection  of  important  and  extensive  informa- 
tion. A  convention  of  delegates  from  every  part  of  this 
State  and  its  vicinity  will  bring  together  numerous  interest- 
ing and  essential  facts,  concerning  the  want  of  churches, 
destitute  portions  of  country,  and  the  operations  of  the  hand 
of  God  in  different  places.  And  through  the  medium  of  that 
correspondence,  which  the  constitution  provides,  the  moral 
as  well  as  local  situation  of  that  vast  and  gloomy  region  in 
the  west  will  be  laid  open  to  the  view  of  the  Board,  and  by 


94  BAPTIST    MISSIONARY    CONVENTION. 

them  to  that  of  the  benevolent  public.  Much  time  and 
money  are  now  employed  to  little  effect  for  want  of  such 
knowledge. 

"3.  A  judicious  distribution  and  destination  of  missiona- 
ries. Owing  to  an  ignorance  of  each  other's  proceedings, 
different  societies,  in  some  instances,  send  more  missionaries 
to  some  particular  places  than  are  needed,  while  others  are 
left  entirely  destitute,  and,  for  want  of  proper  information, 
often  direct  them  to  fields  of  labor  far  less  important  and 
promising  than  many  that  remain  unoccupied.  Whereas,  a 
society,  having  an  ample  and  distinct  view  of  the  whole 
ground,  and  also  of  the  different  gifts  at  its  command,  can 
adopt  and  occupy  to  peculiar  advantage. 

"  4.  The  continuance  of  useful  and  successful  missionaries 
in  places  where  God  has  smiled,  and  still  smiles,  on  their 
labors ;  and  where  existing  circumstances  and  impressions 
of  duty  require  them  to  remain. 

"  A  transient  falling  of  drops  of  water  scarcely  affects 
the  surface  of  the  earth ;  but  '  a  continual  dropping  wear- 
eth  away  stones.'  So,  notwithstanding  a  sermon  or  two 
from  a  faithful  embassador  of  Jesus  Christ  may  scarcely 
produce  a  perceptible  effect,  yet  a  continuation  of  his  min- 
isterial exertions  is  often  blessed  of  the  Lord  for  the 
conversion  of  hundreds  of  sinners  and  the  organization 
of  formidable  churches.  In  clearing  land  of  its  native 
growth,  we  would  not  pass  along,  giving  a  single  blow 
to  every  tree  in  the  forest ;  neither  should  the  mission- 
ary (unless  of  necessity)  preach  a  single  sermon  only  to  a 
destitute  people.  Nor  should  he  leave  the  infant  churches, 
the  solitary  convert,  like  a  stalk  of  wheat  in  the  thick  wood- 
land, to  a  sickly  growth  beneath  the  extended  branches  of 
umbrageous  oaks  ;  but  make  an  opening  to  admit  the  warmth 
and  effulgence  of  the  sun. 

"  Could  you  witness  the  heart-rendings  of  a  missionary 
about  to  leave  converts  weeping  on  every  side,  while  sinners 
wring  their  hands  in  the  agonies  of  despair,  would  you  not 
say,  '  Let  something  be  done  to  prolong  his  stay  ? '  As  to 
the  duty  of  supporting  domestic  missions,  need  we  say  any- 
thing by  way  of  argument  ?  Tell  us,  you  who  have  been  de- 
livered from  darkness,  sin,  and  death,  by  the  glorious  gospel 
of  Christ !  tell  us,  ye  parents  who  have  beloved  children  in 


BAPTIST   MISSIONARY  CONVENTION.  95 

the  western  wilderness,  where  the  voice  of  a  herald  of  mercy 
is  never  heard  !  Will  you  unite  with  us  in  bearing  the  en- 
dearing testimonies  of  a  once  expiring  Savior's  love  to  those 
who  dwell  in  the  shades  of  moral  night,  and  are  exposed  to 
the  blackness  of  darkness  forever  ?  May  the  God  of  com- 
passion render  you  compassionate,  and  teach  you,  by  happy 
experience,  that  there  is  a  giving  that  is  more  blessed  than 
receiving." 

Immediately  after  the  Convention  adjourned,  the  Board 
commenced  their  labors  ;  and  although  they  had  no  funds  in 
the  treasury,  yet,  relying  on  the  Lord,  they  during  the  year 
gave  appointments  to  Brn.  Elon  Galusha,  Elkanah  Comstock, 
and  John  G.  Stearns,  as  missionaries. 

The  first  annual  meeting  of  the  Convention  was  held  at 
Whitesboro,  Oneida  Co.,  Oct.  16,  1822.  The  meeting  was 
opened  by  reading  a  portion  of  scripture,  and  prayer.  The 
report  of  the  treasurer  exhibited  the  amount  of  moneys  paid 
out  during  the  year  by  order  of  the  Board,  to  be  8147  84. 
The  report  of  the  Board  exhibits  the  following  results  from 
the  labors  of  their  missionaries,  viz. 

"  That  Br.  John  G.  Stearns  labored  in  the  vicinity  of 
Buffalo,  to  their  entire  satisfaction ;  and  that  the  entire 
expense  of  his  mission  was  defrayed  by  the  people  among 
whom  he  preached  the  gospel.  That  Br.  Elon  Galusha  had 
spent  a  portion  of  his  time  at  Buffalo,  where  he  had  been 
instrumental  in  the  hand  of  God  of  establishing  a  respectable 
church  of  thirty  members ;  and  where  he  baptized  many 
worthy  citizens  of  the  village,  it  being  the  first  time  the 
ordinance  of  baptism  had  ever  been  administered  in  that 
place  in  its  primitive  form.  In  addition  to  his  labors  at 
Buffalo,  Br.  Galusha  visited  the  Territory  of  Michigan,  and 
was  the  instrument  of  planting  the  standard  of  the  cross  at 
Pontiac,  it  being  the  first  Baptist,  if  not  the  first  Protestant, 
church,  in  the  Territory.  Here,  also,  he  administered  the 
ordinance  of  Christian  baptism,  it  being  the  first  time  the 
-waters  of  the  Territory  had  furnished  a  liquid  grave  for  the 
disciples  of  Christ,  except  at  the  mission-station  among  the 
natives.  And  that  Br.  Elkanah  Comstock  had  labored  in 
Centre  Co.,  Penn.,  where  his  efforts  had  been  uncommonly 
blessed  in  awakening  sinners,  and  in  confirming  the  souls  of 
the  disciples." 


96  BAPTIST   MISSIONARY    CONVENTION* 

At  this  meeting  it  was  "Resolved,  That  a  sermon  be 
preached  annually  at  the  opening  of  this  Convention,  and 
that  a  contribution  be  taken  immediately  thereafter  to  fur- 
ther its  benevolent  objects." 

The  second  annual  meeting  of  the  Convention  was  held  at 
Vernon,  Oneida  Co.,  Oct.  15  and  16,  1823.  The  introduc 
tory  sermon  was  delivered  by  Br.  Lewis  Leonard,  fromZech. 
iv.  7.  The  report  of  the  Treasurer  showed  that  $311  39 
had  been  received,  and  8192  43  had  been  paid  out  during 
the  year.  The  report  of  the  Board  states  "  That  they 
appointed  several  missionaries,  but  that  two  only  had  accepted 
the  appointment.  These  were  Br.  Elkanah  Comstock,  who 
continued  his  labors  in  Centre  Co.,  Penn.,  and  Br.  John 
N.  Brown,  who  had  taken  charge  of  the  church  at  Buffalo." 
The  labors  of  these  brethren  are  represented  as  having  been 
"  highly  beneficial  to  the  churches  among  whom  they  labor- 
ed." The  report  also  mentions  one  agency  which  was  per- 
formed without  any  expense  to  the  Convention,  deserving  of 
notice.  It  was  by  the  venerable  President,  Dea.  Squire 
Manro.  He  explored  the  Territory  of  Michigan,  and  repor- 
ted  "That  he  found  the  Territory  in  great  moral  darkness, 
very  much  needing  the  labor  of  missionaries,  and  presenting 
most  favorable  openings,  where  the  people  are  desirous  to 
receive  the  embassadors  of  Christ." 

The  third  annual  meeting  of  the  Convention  was  held  at 
Elbridge,  Onon.  Co.,  Oct.  20  and  21,  1824.  The  introduc- 
tory  sermon  was  delivered  by  Br.  Spencer  H.  Cone,  of  N.  Y. 
The  meeting  was  highly  interesting,  and  more  fully  attended 
than  any  previous  one.     The  Treasurer  reported  the  amount 

of  his  receipts  to  be  $ -,  and  that  of  the  disburse- 

ments  to  be  8704  91.  From  the  report  of  the  Board,  it 
appears  that  they  had  appointed  Br.  Calvin  Philleb  their 
agent,  and  had  also  commissioned  ten  or  twelve  other  breth* 
ren  as  missionaries  ;  yet  but  a  few  entered  the  fields  assigned 
them.  Br.  John  N.  Brown  continued  at  Buffalo,  Brn.  John 
Blain  and  F.  H.  Johnson  were  employed  alternately  at 
Oswego,  Br.  Randolph  Streeter  at  Vienna,  and  Br.  Elkanah 
Comstock  at  Michigan.  While  each  of  the  brethren  labor- 
ed to  the  entire  satisfaction  of  the  Board,  none  submitted  to 


BAPTIST   MISSIONARY  CONVENTION.  97 

sacrifices  as  extensive  as  Br.  Comstock.  He  endured  the 
privations  and  diseases  of  Michigan  in  the  early  settlement 
thereof,  with  unflinching  perseverance,  and  continued  to 
occupy  the  field  assigned  him,  with  untiring  faithfulness, 
until  the  Lord  called  him  to  enter  the  rest  in  reserve  for  his 
people.'  During  the  period  he  was  engaged  in  the  ministry, 
the  cause  was  so  much  extended  in  that  Territory,  that  he 
not  only  assisted  in  the  organization  of  a  number  of  church- 
es, but  was  also  permitted  to  participate  in  the  labor  of 
forming  the  first  Association. 

At  this  meeting  of  the  Convention  an  event  occurred, 
which  had  long  been  most  ardently  desired  by  all  the  friends 
of  domestic  missions  in  this  State.  Upon  the  request  of  the 
President  of  the  Convention,  and  one  of  the  Directors  of 
the  Board,  the  Hamilton  Baptist  Missionary  Society,  which 
had  existed  for  more  than  seventeen  years,  were  represented 
by  a  committee  whose  object  it  was  to  propose  a  plan  upon 
which  a  union  might  be  effected  between  the  two  bodies. 
The  Convention  promptly  appointed  a  committee  on  their 
part,  and  the  two  committees  agreed  upon  the  plan,  which 
the  Convention  accepted  and  adopted,  and  the  amalgamation 
w^as  consummated  at  the  subsequent  annual  meeting  of  the 
Hamilton  Baptist  Missionary  Society,  as  has  been  already 
stated. 

As  the  constitution  was  so  altered  as  to  increase  the  num- 
ber of  Directors  to  thirty,  it  is  deemed  advisable  to  append 
the  names  of  the  first  officers  after  the  union  occurred,  viz, 

Elon  Galusha,  President.  Elijah  F.  Willey,  Secretary, 
Charles  Babcock,  Treasurer. 

Nathaniel  Kendrick,  John  Peck,  Sylvenus  Haynes,  John 
Jeffries,  Squire  Manro,  Alexander  M.  Beebee,  John  Blain, 
Alfred  Bennett,  Lewis  Leonard,  Oliver  C.  Comstock,  John 
S.  Twiss,  Thomas  Purinton,  Jonathan  Olmsted,  Asa  Averill, 
Daniel  Putman,  Joel  W.  Clark,  Eliada  Blakesley,  Leland 
Howard,  Rufus  Babcock,  Nathaniel  Cole,  Archibald  Maclay, 
John  Lawton,  Martin  E.  Cook,  Spencer  H.  Cone,  WiUiam 
Colgate,  John  Williams,  Thomas  Purser,  Howard  Malcom, 
Nathan  Peck,  and  Horace  Griswold,  Directors. 

Before  this  election  occurred,  Dea.   Squire  Manro,  who 
had  been  the  President  of  the  Convention  from  its  organiza- 
tion, requested  his  brethren,  in  view  of  his  age  and  infirmi- 
9 


98  BAPTIST    MISSIONARY  CONVENTION. 

ties,  to  allow  him  the  privilege  to  retire  at  least  from  that 
office,  and  to  fill  it  with  some  brother  who  had  not  borne  the 
burden  and  heat  of  the  day.  The  Convention  complied  with 
his  request,  but  continued  him  in  the  Board,  so  that  his 
counsel  was  still  secured,  and  his  time,  his  talents,  and  his 
property,  were  unsparingly  devoted  to  the  interests  of  the 
Convention,  until  the  Master  released  him  from  his  labors, 
and  received  him  into  the  mansions  above. 

The  feelings  of  the  Convention  and  of  the  Board,  in  view 
of  the  events  connected  with  this  meeting,  and  that  of  May 
following,  when  the  union  was  consummated,  will  be  fully 
developed  by  the  following  address,  which  they  adopted  and 
circulated  throughout  the  State. 


"ADDRESS 

OF  THE  BAPTIST  MISSIONARY  CONVENTION  OF  THE   STATS    aP 
NEW  YORK. 

To  all  the  Missionary  Societies,  Associations,  Churches,  and  friends  of 
Christian  benevolence,  through  the  State. 

*'  The  object  of  this  Convention  is  to  promote  the  knowledge 
of  Christ  among  such  of  our  fellow-men  as  are  destitute  of 
the  ordinary  means  by  which  he  reveals  his  grace  and  glory. 
To  effectuate  this  purpose  extensively,  to  us  it  appears 
important  to  combine,  as  far  as  practicable,  the  talents, 
resources,  and  energies,  of  our  denomination,  in  every  part 
of  the  State.  And  we  rejoice  to  see  our  brethren  in  other 
States  adopting  such  a  course.  That  much  good  is  done  by 
small  societies,  and  even  by  individuals  not  in  concert,  we 
do  not  doubt :  that  abundantly  more  may  be  accomplished 
by  a  general  union,  is  obvious.  What  would  be  the  compar- 
ative force  of  two  armies  of  equal  numbers  and  equal  valor, 
the  one  in  single  and  disunited  effort,  the  other  in  conjoint 
enoragement  ?  The  former  would  resemble  a  mass  of  loose 
sand  upon  the  shore,  that  yields  to  every  wave  ;  the  latter  a 
rock  in  the  ocean,  that  defies  the  rushing  billows.  Such  is 
the  respective  efficacy  of  separate  and  combined  exertions 
in  every  cause.  The  most  important  achievements  of  which 
we  have  a  knowledge,  in  every  department  of  intellectual 


BAPTIST   MISSIONARY  CONVENTION.  99 

being,  are  the  result  of  concurrence.  There  is  a  most  per- 
fect co-operation  of  all  the  glorious  persons  of  the  Godhead 
in  the  stupendous  works  of  creation,  providence,  and  redemp- 
tion. The  angelic  hosts  of  all  move  in  concert.  In  the 
cabinet  of  every  nation  on  earth  there  is  conjunction.  So 
essential  is  this  to  success  in  any  great  undertaking,  that 
demons,  with  all  their  discordant  feelings,  co-operate  in 
executing  their  infernal  schemes.  If,  then,  all  rational 
beings,  whether  holy  or  unholy,  whether  on  earth,  in  heaven, 
or  hell,  unite  with  their  respective  compeers  in  the  production 
of  important  effects  of  joint  interest,  what  an  irrefragible 
proof  have  we  of  the  great  advantages  resulting  from  a 
concentration  of  energies  1 

'•Where  a  coincidence  of  views  and  feelings  forms  a 
common  bond  of  friendship,  a  combination  of  effort  is  doubly 
advantageous  and  deeply  interesting.  Such  are  all  associ- 
ations in  heaven ;  such  were  those  of  the  apostles  and 
primitive  disciples ;  and  such  should  be  those  of  Christians 
in  the  present  day^  '  Behold !  how  good  and  how  pleasant 
it  is  for  bi'ethren  to  dwell  together  in  unity.'  How  amiable 
for  brethren  to  labor  together  in  love  1  It  is  much  to  be 
regretted  that,  in  the  Baptist  denomination,  where  there  is 
so  much  unison  of  sentiment  and  harmony  of  feeling,  there 
IS  not  a  more  general  amalgamation  and  co-operation, 
especially  in  the  promotion  of  domestic  missions.  Although 
the  whole  number  of  missionaries  employed  by  us  bears  a 
very  small  proportion  to  the  numerous  and  extensive  fields  of 
labor,  yet  for  want  of  concert,  when  a  Macedonian  cry  is 
beard  from  a  particular  quarter,  many  societies,  equally 
anxious  to  afford  relief,  and  ignorant  of  each  other's  designs, 
pour  in  their  missionaries  in  abundance,  which,  besides 
exciting  the  false  idea  that  there  is  an  amplitude  (or  rather 
superfluity)  of  funds  and  laborers  to  supply  all  the  destitute 
places  in  our  country,  often  creates  jealousy  and  alarm. 
This,  and  many  other  evils  heretofore  mentioned  in  our  cir- 
culars, may  be  remedied  by  a  union  of  all  our  societies  in 
one  general  head  ;  so  that,  acting  as  members  of  one  common 
body,  they  may  afford  mutual  aid.  The  benefits  accruing 
from  such  a  concurrence,  in  addition  to  those  exhibited  in 
our  former  communications,  ai*e 


100  BAPTIST   MISSIONARY  CONVENTION-. 

"  1.  An  extension  of  acquaintance  with  both  the  persons  and 
gifts  of  our  brethren.  How  exhilarating  to  behold  the  faces, 
and  witness  a  displaj^  of  the  graces,  of  those  of  whose  faith 
and  labors  we  have  only  heard  by  the  hearing  of  the  ear — 
to  learn  the  way  in  which  the  Lord  led  them — to  take  sweet 
counsel,  sympathise,  rejoice,  pray,  and  praise,  together. 
Acquaintance  thus  formed  stifles  jealousies  and  prejudices 
which  were  founded  on  an  ignorance  of  each  other,  and 
often  makes  us  blush  to  think  of  the  prepossessions  we  had 
cherished.  It  teaches  us,  effectually,  to  judge  no  man 
(especially  a  brother)  before  we  hear  him» 

"  2.  An  increase  of  affection.  The  association  and  familiar 
intercourse  of  friends  has  a  natural  tendency  to  strengthen 
their  attachments.  Like  the  apostle  o£  the  gentiles,  we  may 
feel  deep  solicitude  and  sacred  regard  for  those  disciples 
whose  faces  we  have  never  seen  in  the  flesh  ;  but  to  view  them 
bearing  the  image  and  breathing  the  spirit  of  Christ,  and 
coming  up  to  the  help  of  the  Lord  against  the  mighty,  fans 
the  spark  of  fraternal  love  to  a  flame.  By  meeting,  consult- 
ing, and  laboring,  together,  our  hearts  become  most  firmly 
cemented^  Nor  does  anything  more  endear  Christians  than; 
a  union  in  labors  of  love. 

"  3.  An  acquaintance  of  knowledge,  not  only  of  missionary, 
hut  various  other,  subjects.  Although  the  principles  and  gen- 
eral character  of  the  Christian  religion  are  the  same  in  all 
places,  yet  every  part  of  Zion  has  its  peculiarities.  Among 
Christians  there  is  a  diversity  of  gifts  widely  dispersed,  and 
they  have  minds  differently  framed  and  differently  fraught. 
A  large  collection  of  these,  together,  not  only  promotes  our 
general  information,  but  furnishes  a  minute  knowledge  of 
the  internal  state  of  Zion^  which  we  could  derive  as  safely 
and  easily  from  no  other  source.  Each  contributes,  of  his 
own  private  store,  to  the  common  [stock,~and  thus  all  are 
enriched,  without  in  the  least  impoverishing  any. 

"  4.  A  beneficial  assimilation.  By  an  interchange  of  ideas, 
a  reciprocation  af  friendly  feelings,,  a  mutual  forbearance 
and  condescension,  towards  those  of  different  habits,  each 
gradually  loses  his  own  peculiarities,  and  amalgamates  with 
the  body.  Thus  brethren  become  of  one  heart  and  one 
mind. 

"5.  Needful  excitement.     Although  the  active   mind  of 


BAPTIST   MISSIONARY  CONVENTION,  101 

man,  like  the  vibrating  pendulum,  is  constantly  in  motion, 
yet,  by  its  own  gravitation,  it  is  ever  tending  towards  a 
state  of  rest.  "Iron  sharpeneth  iron,  so  a  man  sharpeneth 
the  countenance  of  his  friend."  By  such  a  coalition,  those 
who  have  become  listless  are  roused  to  emulation,  fired  with 
ardor,  and  nerved  with  vigor. 

"  6.  Encouragement,  We'sometimes  feel  like  the  prophet 
Elijah,  when  he  complained  that  the  altars  of  the  Lord  were 
digged  down,  the  prophets  slain,  and  he  left  alone  in  perils 
and  distress.  But  when  our  eyes  behold  a  goodly  number 
whom  God  has  reserved  for  the  defense  of  the  truth,  we 
receive  new  strength  and  resolution.  We  then  feel  that 
those  who  are  for  us  are  more  numerous  than  those  who  are 
against  us.  When  the  brethren  who  went  from  Rome  to 
meet  St.  Paul,  arrived  at  Appi  Forum  and  the  three  taverns, 
the  apostle  saw  them  and  took  courage.  Often,  when 
the  afflicted  and  disheartened  minister  of  Christ  sets  out  for 
such  a  meeting,  his  heart  is  ready  to  burst  with  grief.  But 
the  first  sight  of  his  brethren  and  companions  in  tribulation 
causes  his  dejected  countenance  to  sparkle  with  animation, 
and  his  bosom  to  thrill  with  joy. 

"7.  A  greater  watch-care  aoer  the  interests  of  Zion,  *  In 
the  multitude  of  counselors  there  is  safety.'  A  convention 
of  delegates  from  every  part  of  the  State  will  afford  an 
opportunity  to  such  as  are  assailed  with  errors  peculiar  to 
their  section  of  country,  or  involved  in  distressing  and  per- 
plexing cases  of  discipline,  and  other  difficulties,  to  consult 
their  brethren  who  have  gained  wisdom  by  experience,  and 
prudence  by  the  things  which  they  have  suffered  ;  and  who 
are  remote  from  those  predilections  which  sometimes  bias 
the  judgment  of  the  best  of  men.  Such  an  intercourse, 
furnishing,  as  we  have  already  remarked,  a  more  minute 
acquaintance  with  the  internal  concerns  of  our  churches, 
will  have  a  tendency  to  secure  them  against  error,  by  turn- 
ing upon  them  the  vigilant  eyes  of  thousands  who  feel  the 
deepest  interest  in  their  welfare.  We  have  named  but  a  few 
of  the  many  advantages  which,  it  is  confidently  believed, 
would  result  from  a  general  union  in  our  State  Convention. 
We  must  now  proceed  to  notice  the  principal  objections 
that  have  been  raised  against  it. 


102  BAPTIST    MISSIONARY  CONVENTION. 

"  1.  That  it  tends  to  aggrandizement,  by  promoting  some 
of  the  brethren  to  more  honor  than  others  share. 

"  2.  That  large  ecclesiastical  bodies  are  dangerous  to  the 
cause  of  Christ. 

"  In  answer  to  the  first  objection,  we  need  only  say  that  no 
honor  is  conferred  on  any  brother  by  this  body  but  that  of 
a  servant.  And  if  any  are  desirous  of  the  honor  of  devo- 
ting much  time,  much  labor,  and  some  cash,  too,  (without 
pecuniary  reward,)  to  the  precious  cause  of  truth,  let  them 
share  it  as  largely  as  their  benevolent  hearts  may  crave  ;  for 
the  heavier  they  are  laden  with  it,  the  more  will  God  be 
glorified,  and  suffering  humanity  relieved. 

"  To  the  second  objection  we  would  reply,  that  all  ecclesias- 
tical bodies  are  dangerous,  in  proportion,  not  to  their  numbers, 
but  to  the  independent  power  they  possess,  the  temptation 
they  are  under  to  abuse  it,  and  the  encouragement  they  give 
to  unholy  ambition.  But  this  Convention,  as  may  be  seen 
by  its  constitution,  is  invested  with  no  such  power — can 
acquire  none ;  consequently,  can  abuse  none.  Its  members 
are  chosen  annually  by  the  brethren.  Its  funds  are  all 
derived  from  free  donations,  and  must  be  appropriated  ac- 
cording to  the  direction  of  the  donor.  It  affords  no 
encouragement  to  unholy  ambition,  as  it  enjoys  no  emoluments, 
pays  to  its  officers  no  salary,  no  perquisites,  and  confers  no 
honorary  titles.  We  are  able  to  discover  no  more  danger, 
or  tendency  to  aggrandize,  in  this  case,  than  where  the 
citizens  of  a  town,  to  promote  an  object  of  common  interest, 
and  within  their  own  jurisdiction,  meet  together,  elect  a 
moderator  and  a  clerk,  pass  resolutions,  and  appoint  a  com- 
mittee to  carry  them  into  execution.  Let  none  do  like  a 
man,  who,  to  avoid  a  shadow,  would  run  off  a  precipice. 

"  Is  not  the  fact  itself,  that  many  are  afraid  of  combinations, 
proof  of  their  efficacy  ?  Why  are  any  alarmed  at  the  first 
mention  of  them  ?  Because  wicked  men,  acting  concurrently 
in  a  bad  cause,  have  done  much  evil.  By  the  same  rule, 
virtuous  men,  by  conjoint  effort  in  a  benevolent  cause,  may 
do  much  good. 

"  System,  so  essential  to  the  efficiency  of  our  missionary 
operations,  is  less  visible  in  the  accumulation  than  in  the 
distribution  of  our  funds.  While  we  are  tenacious  of  a 
system  of  doctrine  and  a  system  of  discipline,  let  us  estab- 


BAPTIST    MISSIONARY  CONVENTION.  103 

lish  and  maintain  a  system  of  liberality.  To  raise  a 
missionary  fund,  permit  us,  dear  brethren,  most  earnestly 
and  affectionately  to  recommend  to  you  the  following  method : 

"  1.  Let  every  Baptist  association  in  the  State  resolve 
itself  into  a  missionary  society,  auxiliary  to  this  Convention, 
and  appoint  a  treasurer  and  scribe. 

"  2.  Let  every  church  form  itself  into  a  branch  of  the 
auxiliary  society  in  its  own  association — elect  a  treasurer 
and  collector. 

"  3.  Let  every  member  in  each  church  subscribe  and  pay 
over  to  the  collector,  annually,  such  sum  as  circumstances 
and  duty  may  dictate — give  the  poor  widow  an  opportunity 
to  cast  in  her  mite,  and  allow  even  those  indigent  members, 
whom  the  prosperous  brethren  are  in  duty  bound  to  assist, 
the  pleasure  of  paying  at  least  one  shilling  annually  for  the 
spread  of  that  precious  gospel  by  which  they  hope  to  be 
forever  enriched.  (Additional  subscriptions  may  be  obtained 
in  the  society,  also.) 

"  4.  Let  all  the  subscriptions  be  seasonably  collected,  paid 
over  to  the  treasurers  of  the  branch  societies,  and  by  them 
forwarded  to  the  associations,  respectively,  by  the  delegates 
of  the  churches. 

^'5.  Let  the  moneys,  when  duly  received  and  registered  by 
the  treasurers  and  scribes  of  the  auxiliary  societies,  be  for- 
warded by  their  delegates  to  the  Convention. 

"6.  In  the  minutes  of  the  associations,  let  the  amount 
paid  by  each  church  be  inserted. 

"  7.  Let  the  minutes  of  the  Convention  exhibit  a  full  account 
of  all  the  moneys  received  from  the  auxiliary  societies. 

"  Thus  let  us  walk  hand  in  hand  in  our  labors  of  love,  and 
each  contribute,  according  to  his  ability,  to  the  promotion  of 
the  precious  cause  of  our  blessed  Saviour. 

"  With  pleasure  we  state  that  measures  preparatory  to  a 
union  of  the  Hamilton  Baptist  Missionary  Society  with  this 
Convention  have  been  mutually  adopted,  and  no  doubt  remains 
of  the  speedy  accomplishment  of  an  object  so  desirable. 
We  hail  its  approach  as  peculiarly  propitious.  The  high 
standing  of  that  large  and  respectable  society,  the  talents, 
zeal  and  resources,  it  combines,  together  with  its  extensive, 
steady,  and  successful,  operations,  excite  the  most  cheering 
anticipation  of  happy  results  from  the  contemplated  union. 


■  :i 


104  BAPTIST    MISSIONARY  CONVENTION. 

"  The  appointment  of  Rev.  John  Peck,  as  General  Agent 
of  the  Convention,  will,  it  is  most  confidently  believed,  greatly 
conduce  to  its  prosperity.  His  active  energy,  assiduity,  and 
missionary  zeal,  are  too  well  known  to  require  our  commenda- 
tion. He  has  accepted  the  appointment,  and  entered  upon 
a  discharge  of  the  duties  of  his  office. 

"  The  Board,  having  been  instructed  by  the  Convention  to 
inquire  into  the  expediency  of  issuing  a  periodical  publica- 
tion, and,  if  deemed  proper,  to  carry  the  same  into  effect, 
and  having  received  an  offer  of  the  '  Baptist  Register, '  have 
resolved  to  adopt  that  paper,  and  enlarge  it  to  the  present 
size  of  the  Christian  Secretary.  They  have  appointed  A. 
M.  Beebee,  Esq.,  editor,  and  made  arrangements  for  execu- 
ting the  mechanical  work  in  the  best  manner.  These 
arrangements,  together  with  the  talents,  taste,  energy,  and 
assiduity,  of  the  editor,  inspire  us  with  a  confidence  that  the 
work  will  not  be  inferior  to  any  of  the  kind  now  published 
in  the  country. 

"  We  close  by  soliciting  your  prayerful  attention  to  the 
above  plan  of  operation,  and  your  cordial  aid  in  carrying  it 
into  successful  execution. 

"  E.  Galusha,  President, 

"  E.  F.  WiLLEY,  Secretary:' 

The  Board  of  the  Convention  met,  pursuant  to  adjourn- 
ment, at  Fabius,  in  May,  when  the  Hamilton  Missionary 
Society  was  merged  in  the  Convention,  and  the  Board  com- 
menced their  labors.  They  gave  appointments  to  missiona- 
ries, which,  together  with  those  made  at  subsequent  meetings, 
provided  for  five  years  of  ministerial  labor  among  the  desti- 
tute. They  also  attended  to  the  concerns  of  the  Indian  station 
at  Oneida,  and  laid  the  foundation  for  a  weekly  religious  pub- 
lication. 

On  the  day  preceding  the  fourth  annual  meeting  of  the 
Convention,  the  Board  met  at  Cazenovia  village,  when  they 
received  very  cheering  reports  from  the  missionaries  under 
their  patronage,  and  from  the  Indian  school  at  Oneida.  The 
following  report  of  the  General  Agent  was  also  received,  and 
is  here  presented,  as  it  exhibits  the  general  feelings  of  the 
denomination  on  the  subject  of  the  amalgamation  : 


BAPTIST   MISSIONARY  CONVENTION.  105 

«  To  the  Baptist  Missionary  Convention  of  the  State  of  New 
York. 

"  Dear  Brethren — On  being  informed  that  I  was  ap- 
pointed your  agent,  I  was  much  exercised  in  my  mind  to  know 
what  was  duty.  On  the  one  hand,  the  thought  of  being 
absent  for  a  year  from  the  church  with  whom  I  had  labored 
for  twenty-one  years,  together  with  my  own  inability  to  per- 
form so  great  a  work  as  would  devolve  on  me, — and  on  the 
other,  the  call  of  the  brethren,  and  the  destitute  condition  of 
thousands  ready  to  perish  for  lack  of  vision, — operated  pow- 
erfully on  my  mind,  and  I  felt  sensible  that  I  needed  wisdom 
from  on  high.  I  therefore  had  recourse  to  a  throne  of  grace, 
and  at  length  I  became  satisfied  in  my  own  mind  that  it 
was  my  duty  to  accept  the  call  of  the  Board. 

«  Consequently,  on  the  1st  of  January,  1825, 1  commenced 
my  labors  as  an  agent,  by  visiting  some  of  the  societies  aux- 
iliary to  the  Hamilton  Baptist  Missionary  Society,  with  a 
view  to  lead  them  into  the  measures  of  the  Convention,  and 
point  out  to  them  the  importance  of  general  union.  In  this 
I  happily  succeeded.  I  was  then  necessarily  engaged  in 
editing,  distributing,  and  collecting,  for  the  magazines,  which 
required  much  labor,  a  report  of  which  I  shall  defer  until  the 
completion  of  the  work.  I  also  spent  much  time  in  obtain- 
ing an  alteration  in  our  charter,  and  in  attending  to  the  con- 
cerns of  the  Oneida  school,  and  also  of  the  Baptist  Register. 
«I  then  proceeded  in  organizing  branch  societies  in  the 
counties  of  Madison,  Onondaga,  Cayuga,  Seneca,  Oneida, 
Oswego,  and  Chenango.  After  this  I  visited  the  Franklin, 
Saratoga,  Hudson  River,  Otsego,  Madison,  Cayuga,  Ontario, 
Genesee,  and  Holland  Purchase,  Associations,  all  of  which 
came  cheerfully  into  the  measures  of  the  Convention,  as 
auxiliaries.  In  the  vicinity  of  these  Associations  I  formed 
branch  societies  as  I  had  opportunity.  I  likewise  visited 
general  societies  or  boards,  viz.  Saratoga,  Mexico,  New  York, 
Genesee,  and  Holland  Purchase,  all  of  which  agreed  to  aid 
the  Convention.  .     . 

"Although  soliciting  immediate  aid  was  not  my  principal 
object,  but  to  bring  the  strength  of  our  denomination  to  bear 
on  one  point  in  missionary  operations,  yet  I  have  received 
in  contributions,  and  other  ways,  in  cash  and  property, 
$1,384  74. 


106  BAPTIST    MISSIONARY  CONVENTION. 

"I  would  devoutly  acknowledge  the  goodness  of  God  to 
me,  in  the  preservation  of  my  health,  and  for  the  success  that 
has  attended  my  feeble  labors.  And  under  God  I  would 
acknowledge  the  kind  attention  and  unwearied  exertion  of 
our  brethren  in  the  ministry  to  promote  the  great  object ;  and 
likewise  our  dear  brethren  and  sisters  in  general,  who  are 
deserving  the  thanks  of  the  Board  for  their  labors  of  love  in 
the  glorious  cause.  Upon  a  view  of  the  whole  subject,  I 
think  we  have  great  reason  to  take  courage  and  go  forward. 
Every  circumstance  seems  to  presage  the  approach  of  a  glo- 
rious era. 

"  It  becomes  us,  then,  to  be  on  the  alert.  Union  and  en- 
ergy should  be  our  motto.  Let  the  whole  denomination  be 
united,  and  they  will  present  to  view  a  powerful  phalanx, 
which  will  be  appalling  to  the  enemies  of  truth.  Then  may 
we  with  confidence  say  with  the  Psalmist,  '  Let  thy  work 
appear  unto  thy  servants,  and  thy  glory  unto  their  children  ; 
and  let  the  beauty  of  the  Lord  be  upon  us  ;  and  establish  thou 
the  work  of  our  hands  upon  us  ;  yea,  the  work  of  our  hands 
establish  thou  it.' 

^'  Yours,  in  the  gospel, 

"John  Peck." 

The  fourth  annual  meeting  of  the  Convention  was  held  in 
Cazenovia  village,  Oct.  19  and  20,  1825.  The  introductory 
sermon  was  delivered  by  Br.  Howard  Malcom,  of  Hudson. 
The  meeting  was  one  of  deep  and  thrilling  interest.  The 
delegates  sat  together  in  heavenly  places,  and  spectators 
were  constrained  to  say,  "  Behold  !  how  good  and  how  plea- 
sant it  is  for  brethren  to  dwell  together  in  unity."  The  re- 
port of  the  Treasurer  states  the  receipts  for  the  year  then 
passed  to  be  ^2,725  39  and  the  disbursements  to  be  82,269  97. 
The  report  of  the  Board  gave  a  gratifying  view  of  the  results 
of  labor  performed,  and  an  affecting  picture  of  whitening 
fields,  with  no  reapers  to  secure  the  precious  fruits. 

The  fifth  annual  meeting  of  the  Convention  was  held  at 
Mentz,  Cayuga  Co.,  Oct.  18  and  19, 1826.  The  introducto- 
ry sermon  was  delivered  by  Br.  Ezra  Going.  According  to 
the  provisions  of  the  constitution,  Br.  Alfred  Bennett  was 
chosen  moderator,  and  Br.  Horace  Griswold  clerk.     From 


BAPTIST   MISSIONARY  CONVENTION.  107 

the  report  of  the  Board,  it  appeared  they  had  provided,  by 
appointments  of  missionaries,  for  six  years  and  twenty-four 
weeks  of  ministerial  labor  among  the  scattered  settlements  of 
our  own  and  adjoining  States,  and  that  the  smiles  of  Heaven 
had  attended  the  missionaries  employed,  and  the  missionary 
stations  under  their  patronage.  During  the  year  then  passed 
the  disbursements  amounted  to  83,361  42.  The  meeting  was 
one  of  the  most  heavenly  character,  under  the  influence  of 
which  the  brethren  felt  to  thank  God  and  take  courage. 

The  Board,  after  the  adjournment  of  the  Convention,  en- 
tered upon  the  duties  of  their  office.  Their  first  business 
was  to  appoint  the  following  Executive  Committees,  viz. 

On  the  Oneida  Station — Robert  Powell,  John  Peck,  John 
C.  Harrison,  Nathan  Peck,  and  Nathaniel  Cole. 

On  the  Tonawanda  Station — Eli  Stone,  K.  H.  Benedict, 
and  John  Miner. 

On  the  Squawkey  Hill  Station — Eliab  Going,  Anson  Tut- 
hill,  and  Whitman  Metcalf. 

On  the  N.  Y.  Baptist  Register — Squire  Manro,  Asber  Wet- 
more,  Amasa  Sessions,  Jonathan  Olmstead,  and  John  Manro. 
Br.  John  Peck  was  reappointed  General  Agent,  and  has  been 
continued  in  that  office  until  the  present  time. 

They  also  made  appointments  and  appropriations  accord- 
ing to  the  best  of  their  judgment,  at  this  and  at  their  subse- 
quent  meetings,  the  whole  of  which,  with  the  results,  will 
appear  in  their  report  at  the  next  meeting  of  the  Convention. 

The  sixth  annual  meeting  of  the  Convention  was  held  in 
Utica,  Oct.  17  and  18,  1827.  The  introductory  sermon  was 
delivered  by  Br.  Leland  Howard,  from  Isaiah  ii.  23.  Br. 
Lewis  Leonard  was  chosen  moderator,  and  Br.  Jesse  B.  Wor- 
^Qn  clerk.  The  Treasurer  reported  the  receipts,  including 
the  balance  of  last  year,  to  be  84,881  14,  and  the  disburse- 
ments to  be  83,883  02.  Death  having  laid  his  hand  upon 
Eld.  Sylvenus  Haynes  during  the  year  then  past,  the  Con- 
vention adopted  the  following  resolution,  expressive  of  their 
sense  of  his  worth,  viz. 

"  Resolved,  That  we  deeply  sympathize  with  the  widow, 
children,  and  other  relations,  and  the  public,  in  the  loss  that 
they  and  we  have  sustained  in  the  removal,  by  death,  of  our 
much  esteemed  brother  in  the  ministry.  Eld.  Sylvenus  Haynes, 


108  BAPTIST    MISSIONARY  CONVENTION. 

who  has  heretofore  taken  an  active  and  useful  part  in  our 
deliberations  ;  and  we  would  feel  especially  admonished  by 
this  trying  providence  to  increased  diligence  in  the  service 
of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ." 

That  the  progress  of  the  Convention  may  be  seen  for  the 
year,  the  following  extract  from  the  report  of  the  Board  is 
here  submitted : 

"  Dear  Fathers  and  Brethren — Permit  us  to  present 
to  you  a  concise  account  of  our  operations  during  your  re- 
cess.  The  spirit  of  love  has  been  with  us  in  our  meetings ;  we 
have  enjoyed  great  harmony  in  our  views,  and  the  utmost 
cordiality  of  feeling,  and  we  hope  that  spirit,  which  is  ever 
identified  with  true  religion,  has  been  increased  by  our  meet- 
ing and  laboring  together. 

"  We  have  in  the  field  about  thirty  missionaries,  who  have 
either  completed  or  entered  upon  their  appointments  during 
this  year  ;  but  we  regret  that  all  have  not  rendered  us  a  re- 
port. As  far  as  we  are  able  to  judge,  from  what  has  come 
before  us,  we  think  we  have  cause  of  lively  gratitude  to  our 
heavenly  Father,  for  his  kind  care  over  us  and  our  missiona- 
ries, in  affording  them  success  in  their  labors  of  love,  in  min- 
istering abundant  consolation  to  the  children  of  God,  and  the 
quickening  influences  of  his  Spirit  to  dead  sinners. 
Something  more  than  one  hundred  and  sixty  have  been 
baptized  ;  the  gospel  has  been  preached  to  thousands  of  the 
destitute  ;  and  many  of  the  children  of  the  natives  have  been 
instructed  in  the  principles  of  science,  civilization,  and 
religion.  In  view  of  all,  we  will  say,  we  are  encouraged  by 
the  blessings  that  have  attended  us  ;  we  are  strengthened  by 
the  increase  of  the  spirit  of  liberality  among  our  brethren, 
and  the  reduction,  in  a  great  degree,  of  the  prejudices  which 
have  tended  so  much  to  hinder  our  benevolent  operations  ; 
and  we  are  excited  to  renew  our  exertions,  by  the  opening 
of  new  and  extensive  fields  of  labor,  and  the  strong  cries  of 
the  destitute  for  assistance.  But  we  are  destitute  of  a  com- 
petent number  of  laborers,  and  of  adequate  means  ;  and  we 
earnestly  desire  the  Lord  to  send  forth  laborers  into  the 
harvest,  and  to  produce  the  evangelical  spirit  of  love  to  our 
neighbor,  as  to  ourselves  ;  and  we  recommend  to  our  brethren 
in  the  ministry,  and  in  the  churches,  to  adopt  some  systematic 
course  of  exertion  to  aid  our  funds  ;  and  may  we  enjoy  the 


BAPTIST    MISSIONARY  CONVENTION.  109 

spirit  of  grace  and  supplication,  and  commit  our  souls  and 
bodies  to  the  care  and  service  of  God. 

"  All  of  which  is  respectfully  submitted  by  the  Board. 
"  Elon  Galusha,  President, 

"  C.  G.   Carpenter,  Secretary, ''' 

The  officers  elected  at  this  meeting  of  the  Convention, 
were  for  the  most  part  those  who  had  previously  constituted 
the  Board  of  Directors.  A  change,  however,  was  necessarily 
made  in  the  office  of  Secretary.  Br.  Elijah  F.  Willey,  who 
had  filled  that  office  from  the  organization  of  the  Convention, 
much  to  the  satisfaction  of  his  brethren,  being  compelled 
from  ill  health  to  relinquish  his  ministerial  labors,  and  to 
remove  to  another  part  of  the  State,  resigned  the  office,  and 
Br,  Calvin  G.  Carpenter  was  elected. 

The  seventh  annual  meeting  of  the  Convention  was  held 
in  Troy,  Oct.  15  and  16,  1828.  Br.  S.  H.  Cone  delivered 
the  introductory  sermon,  from  Isaiah  liii,  11:  "  He  shall 
see  of  the  travail  of  his  soul,  and  be  satisfied."  Br.  Cone 
v/as  chosen  moderator,  and  Brn.  John  Smitzer  and  C.  G. 
Carpenter  clerks. 

The  representation  of  associations  and  missionary  societies 
was  very  general,  and  the  harmony  and  fraternal  affection 
which  attended  the  meeting  would  have  led  the  spectator  to 
say,  "  See  how  these  brethren  love  one  another  !" 

The  Treasurer's  report  showed  the  receipts  to  be  $4,113  36 ; 
and  the  sum  paid  out  to  be  $3,108  45. 

By  the  following  extract  from  the  report  of  the  Board,  the 
amount  of  their  appropriations  and  appointments,  with  the 
success  attending  the  same,  will  fully  appear  : 

"  We  have  been  enabled  to  move  onward  in  the  most  per- 
fect concert.  Not  a  single  instance  of  collision  has  occurred 
in  the  Board  to  interrupt  its  operations  or  mar  its  harmony. 
We  have  seen  and  felt  how  blessed  it  is  for  brethren  to  dwell 
and  toil  together  in  unity.  The  fact  that  all  the  proceedings 
of  the  Board  at  each  of  its  successive  meetings  have  been 
inserted,  at  full  length,  in  the  periodical  publication  under  the 
patronage  of  the  Convention,  supersedes  the  necessity  of 
such  a  minute  detail  of  our  transactions  as  might  otherwise 
be  demanded. 

10 


110  BAPTIST   MISSIOT^ARY  COKVEKTIOI^. 

«  General  Agent— ISo  time  was  lost  in  securing  and  com- 
manding the  services  of  the  General  Agents  whose  labors  for 
several  years  in  the  employment  of  the  Board  have  been  so 
successful,  that  their  continuance  was  deemed  highly 
important.  Nor  have  his  exertions  to  promote  the  interests 
of  the  Convention,  since  his  last  appointment,  been  less 
indefatigable  or  less  prosperous  than  formerly.  It  has  been 
his  constant  object  to  bring  into  as  speedy  and  as  general 
effect  as  practicable  the  systematic  course  of  operations  dic- 
tated by  the  Convention  at  its  last  annual  meeting.  For  this 
purpose,  he  has  visited  numerous  churches,  associations,  and 
missionary  societies,  and  solicited  their  co-operation  in  the 
plan  of  contributions  to  which  we  have  already  alluded.  In 
this  service  Brn.  Alfred  Bennett  and  Robert  Powell  have 
been  associated  with  the  General  Agent  ;  and  a  degree  of 
success  has  crowned  their  efforts,  far  surpassing  the  most 
sanguine  expectations  of  the  warmest  friends  of  the  system. 
No  less  than  fifteen  associations,  embracing  more  than  twen- 
ty-five thousand  members,  have  cordially  and  almost  unani- 
mously approved  and  adopted  the  plan.  Thus  we  are  permitted 
to  see,  as  the  cheering  result  of  a  benevolent  experiment,  the 
eflect  of  which  was  by  many  deemed  veiy  doubtful  at  the 
time  of  its  adoption,  twenty-five  thousand  of  our  brethren  in 
this  State  harmoniously  associated,  in  less  than  one  year, 
upon  an  equitable  and  powerful  plan  of  Christian  liberality. 
This  system  promises,  eventually,  to  carry  the  gospel  of  peace 
to  hundreds  of  thousands  who  are  destitute  of  all  its  consola- 
tions, and  to  feed  with  the  bread  of  life  vast  mnltitudes  of 
the  saints  who  are  hungering  and  crying  in  the  wilderness 
and  waste  places  whither  they  are  scattered. 

"  The  General  Agent  has  also  been  engaged  in  procuring 
donations  and  subscriptions,  visiting  Indian  missionary 
stations,  and  attending  to  the  general  concerns  of  the  Con., 
vention.  He  has  appointed  several  sub-agents,  whose  labors 
have  been  highly  beneficial.  The  amount  of  donations 
which  he  has  procured  is  82,873  84  ;  his  expenses,  830  95, 
Term  of  service,  twenty-six  weeks. 

"  Oneida  StMion—Bv.  Stanard  continued  to  superintend  the 
Indian  school  at  this  station,  and  preach  to  the  natives  with 
much  success  and  great  faithfulness,  until  last  spring,  when 
his  health  became  inadequate  to  the  duties  of  his  appointment. 


BAPTIST   MISSIONARY  CONVENTION,  111 

He  continued  to  decline  until  August,  when  the  spirit  of  this 
promising  youth,  so  ardent  in  the  cause  of  Indian  reform, 
and  so  elated  with  a  strong  hope  of  a  blessed  immortality, 
took  its  departure  from  earth,  with  no  other  regret  than  that 
its  opportunity  to  do  good  to  the  poor  perishing  sons  of  the 
forest  was  closing  forever.  He  will  long  be  remembered  and 
lamented  by  the  Indian  pupils  formerly  under  his  care ;  nor 
can  his  labor,  or  his  love  of  labor,  in  the  cause  of  benevolence, 
soon  be  forgotten  by  the  Board,  or  the  patrons  who  knew 
him.  Sister  Osgood,  whose  zeal,  fidelity,  and  usefulness,  as 
superintendent  of  the  female  department  for  five  years,  is 
well  known,  was  constrained  by  ill  health  to  leave  the  station 
on  the  5th  of  Feb.  From  that  period  till  a  short  time  after 
Br.  Stanard's  death,  his  companion  instructed  the  Indian 
girls  attached  to  the  school  to  great  satisfaction.  Soon  after 
the  decease  of  her  husband,  it  was  found  expedient  for  her 
to  leave  the  station.  Many  and  mutual  tears  were  shed  by 
her  and  her  little  sable  and  affectionate  pupils,  who  regarded 
her  as  a  mother  as  well  as  an  instructor. 

« No  suitable  teacher  has  since  been  obtained  for  this 
school.  The  average  number  of  pupils  for  the  year  past  has 
been  twenty-five.  There  was  in  the  treasury,  at  the  com- 
mencement of  the  year,  $232  86.  The  government 
allowance  is  $200.  Receipts  for  the  year,  $938  15.  Ex- 
penditures,  $963  10,  exclusive  of  $12  19  paid  to  one  of  the 
missionaries  of  the  Board,  and  $104  sent  to  the  Tonawanda 
station.  Now  in  the  treasury  of  the  Executive  Committee 
of  this  station, 


"  Squawkey  Hill  Station — From  this  station  we  have  re- 
ceived no  returns. 

«  Tonawanda  Station — The  school  at  this  place  continued 
in  successful  operation,  under  the  superintendence  of  Br. 
Bingham,  until  June,  when  he  was  superseded  by  Br.  John 
Miner.  Br.  Rollin  is  still  assistant.  Soon  after  the  last 
mentioned  date,  the  school  was  interrupted  by  sickness, 
produced  by  large  bodies  of  stagnant  waters  contiguous  to 
the  missionary  premises.  This  circumstance  has  suggested 
to  the  Executive  Committee  the  propriety  of  changing  the 
site   of  the   institution.     The   number  of  scholars  on  an 


112  BAPTIST   MISSIO?fARY    COXVENTIOX, 

average  is  twenty.  The  government  appropriation  to  this 
station  is  $172  28.  We  have  not  received  a  full  account  cf 
the  receipts  and  expenditures  for  the  year. 

"  The  state  oi  religious  feeling  at  this  station  is  highly 
gratifying  and  promising.  Two  Indian  converts  have 
recently  been  baptized  and  united  to  the  mission-church ; 
one  of  whom  has  entertained  a  hope  in  Christ  and  maintain- 
ed family  prayer,  for  three  years  previous  to  offering  himself 
for  church  membership.  The  other  has  recently  passed  from 
death  to  life.  He  is  the  present  interpreter,  and  son-in-law 
of  Little  Bear,  the  most  influential  chief  of  the  Christian 
party.  Thus  writes  a  member  of  the  Board,  who  attended 
the  baptism  :  '  All  the  native  brethren  and  sisters,  nine  in 
number,  were  present,  who  expressed  their  satisfaction  with 
the  relation  of  the  candidates,  and  we  as  heartily  expresse<i 
ours.  We  then  formed  a  procession,  and  marched  to  the 
the  banks  of  the  water,  and  these  humble  candidates  were 
buried  with  Christ  in  baptism.  Our  minds  were  not  a  little 
affected  with  the  scene  while  we  stood  upon  the  banks  of 
this  most  beautiful  stream,  and  for  a  season  all  was  silent  as 
the  tomb.  I  believe  this  day  will  long  be  remembered  by 
some  present,  I  number  it  with  the  best  days  of  my  life.' 
Another  interesting  circumstance  is  thus  mentioned  :  '  A 
letter  was  yesterday  received  from  Tliomas  Jameason,  a 
native,  formerly  their  interpreter,  now  residing  at  Buffalo, 
informing  that  he  had  recently  obtained  a  hope  in  Christ, 
and  requested  the  privilege  of  returning  to  join  the  native 
brethren  at  Tonawanda.'  He  has  received  a  good  education, 
has  completed  a  course  of  medical  studies,  and  is  now  practi- 
cing among  the  natives  and  whites* 

"  There  is  a  favorable  prospect  that  all  the  above  Indian 
schools  may  soon  be  united  at  Tonawanda,  greatly  to  the 
advancement  of  Indian  reform. 

"  Missionaries  aj^pointed. — H.  Blood,  Medina,  Orleans  Co» 
N.  Y.,  for  1  year. 

Parly  Brown,  2nd  church  Lorain,  Black  River,  6  weeks. 

James  Clark,  North  Counties,  Penn.  1  year. 

N.  Lamb,  Dansville  and  vie.  Steuben  Co.,  N.  Y.,  & 
weeks. 

J.  Lawton,  Courtland,  Broome^  and  Chenango  Cos.,  © 
months.. 


BAPTIST  MlSSIONARir   CONVENTION.  113 

Wm.  Greary,  north  part  of  Black  River  Asso.  6  months. 
k.  T.  Smith,  2nd  church  Mexico,  Oswego  Co.  6  weeks. 
E.  W.  Martin,  Geneva  and  vicinity,  Ontario  Co.,  1  year, 
E.  Comstock,  Michigan  Ter.,  1  year. 

D.  Eldridge,  Oswego,  1  year, 

M.  Frederick,  Chenango  point,  15  weeks. 
N.  Peck,  Georgetown,  Madison  Co.  4  weeks. 
M.  Salmon,  Florence,  Oneida  Co.  5  weeks. 

E.  Richmond,  Cataraugus  and  Allegany  Co.,  3  months. 
Wm.  West,  Broome  Co.,  3  months. 

H.  Davis,  Detroit,  M.  T.,  indefinite  time. 

P.  P.  Roots,  itinerant,  3  months. 

Orsemus  Allen,  Seneca  Falls,  1  year. 

'i  Appropriations  to  Churches,  to  aid  them  in  procuring 
preachers. --^To  the  Baptist  church  in  Constantia,  830  ;  do 
Pompey  and  Manlius,  $50  ;  do  Ogdensburgh,  #50 ;  African 
church,  Albany,  850. 

"  Several  requests  have  been  received,  which  have  not 
been  granted  and  several  others  have  been  referred  to 
committees  which  have  not  yet  made  report. 

"  Returns  from  Missionaries, — Owing  to  the  distance  of 
the  present  place  of  meeting  from  the  field  of  missionary 
labors,  we  are  deprived  of  the  personal  attendance,  and  also 
of  the  reports,  of  many  of  our  missionaries,  whose  commu- 
nications would  doubtless  have  given  us  cheering  accounts  of 
the  increase  and  edification  of  many  destitute  churches,  and 
the  still  more  joyful  news  of  the  conversion  of  sinners.  From 
such  missionary  reports  as  have  come  to  hand,  we  learn  the 
following  interesting  facts  : 

"  Br.  P.  Brown  has  baptized  five  persons,  and  formed  a 
Missionary  Society,  which  has  contributed  86  to  the 
Convention.  Br.  R.  T.  Smith's  labors,  in  the  2d  church  in 
Mexico,  have  been  kindly  received,  and  afford  flattering 
prospects  as  to  their  final  results.  Brn.  Sawyer  and  Colver 
have  furnished  the  church  at  Ogdensburgh  with  the  stated 
ministry  of  the  word  of  God  for  about  six  months,  which  we 
hope  may  be  followed  with  the  blessing  of  Heaven.  Br. 
Martin  has  labored  with  success  in  Geneva  :  he  has  baptized 
five  persons.  Br.  E.  Comstock's  labors  in  Michigan  have 
been  blessed  :  he  has  baptized  nineteen,  and  constituted  a 
new  church  at  Ypsilanti.  Br.  H.  Blood  has  formed  two 
10* 


3 14  BAPTIST   MISSIONARY    CONVENTTOJT. 

Tract  Societies,  and  one  conference  preparatory  to  the 
constitution  of  a  church  in  Medina.  Br.  N.  Lamb^ 
missionary  to  Dansville  and  vicinity,  has  baptized  three,  and 
gathered  and  comforted  many  scattered  churches.  Br.  H» 
Davis  continued  his  ministerial  services  at  Detroit  until  the 
7th  of  April,  when  he  was  compelled  to  leave  the  station  on 
account  of  ill  health.  Br.  P.  P.  Roots  reports  sixty.nine 
sermons  preached  in  thirteen  weeks.  The  people  among 
whom  he  traveled  and  preached  have  tendered  their  thanks 
to  the  Convention  for  his  services.  Br.  Morton  has  been  a 
great  blessing  to  the  church  in  Pompey  ife  Manlius,  which 
was  enabled  by  the  $50  appropriated  for  their  assist- 
ance to  retain  hira  as  their  beloved  pastor.  He  has  procured 
for  the  Convention  more  than  the  amount  appropriated.  The 
warmest  thanks  of  the  African  church  in  Albany  have  been 
presented  by  their  pastor  for  the  donation  of  the  Board,  which 
has  enabled  them  to  secure  for  the  year  past  the  services 
of  their  much-lo\"ed  minister.  Br.  J.  Clark  has  been 
received  as  your  missionary  in  the  northern  part  of  Pennsyl- 
vania, with  great  joy  and  gratitude.  Notwithstanding  his 
ill  health,  he  has  labored  with  much  assiduity  and  success. 
So  great  is  the  anxiety  of  the  people,  in  many  places  where 
he  has  preached,  to  hear  the  gospel,  that  they  have  traveled 
through  the  woods  from  eight  to  fifteen  miles,  to  hear  a  single 
sermon*  The  Board  have  been  cheered  amid  their  toils  and 
anxiety,  not  only  by  the  auspices  of  Heaven,  which  have 
crowned  their  labors,  but  also  by  the  animating  reports  of 
kindred  associations.  We  delight  to  witness  the  increasing 
zeal  and  efforts  of  Christians  in  the  cause  of  benevolence, 
and  look  forward  with  rapturous  anticipation  to  the  period 
when  the  gospel  of  Christ  shall  have  imparted  its  blessings 
to  all  the  world. 

"Elon  Galusha,  Pres. 
«  C.  G.  Carpenter,  Sec," 

The  eighth  annual  meeting  of  the  Convention  was  held  at 
Whitesboro,  Oneida  Co.  Oct.  21  and  22,  1829.  Br.  S.  H 
Cone  delivered  the  introductory  sermon,  (the  brethren  ap- 
pointed having  failed,)  from  Eph.  ii.  5  :  "  For  by  grace  ye 
are  saved."  Br.  Cone  officiated  as  moderator,  and  Brn. 
Smitzer  and  Griswold  as  clerks.     By  the  report  of  the  Treas- 


BAPTIST   MISSIONARY  CONVENTION.  Il5 

urer,  it  appears  the  receipts  were  84,682  62.  Expenditures 
$3,392  75. 

The  Board,  in  their  report,  say,  "  We  have  appointed  sev-* 
enteen  missionaries,  one  to  labor  in  Pennsylvania,  one  in 
Michigan  Territory,  and  fifteen  to  labor  in  different  parts  of 
this  State.  The  amount  of  time  embraced  in  these  appoint- 
ments is  seven  years  and  twenty-nine  weeks,  at  an  expense  of 
$1,805.  We  have  made  appropriations  to  churches  amount- 
ing to  $420,  and  for  Indian  reform  $970 ;  making  the  entire 
amount  of  appropriations  to  stations,  missionaries,  &c. 
$3,195.  The  number  of  missionaries  who  reported  is  seven- 
teen, embracing  eight  years  and  twenty-three  weeks  of 
labor,  the  amount  of  which  was  $1,729. 

"  Indian  Stations.  Oneida. — In  view  of  the  union  of 
our  schools  at  Tonawanda,  alluded  to  in  our  last  report,  the 
committee  on  the  Oneida  Station,  were  directed  to  discontinue 
the  school,  and  forward  the  property  remaining  in  the 
treasury  to  Tonawanda. 

"  Tonawanda — On  account  of  the  mission  being  located  on 
an  unhealthy  spot,and  in  connection  with  the  design  of  teaching 
agriculture  to  the  Indians,  it  was  deemed  advantageous  to' 
purchase  a  lot  of  one  hundred  and  twenty-four  acres,  on  an 
ehgible  situation.  This  was  procured  at  $6  per  acre,  $100' 
down ;  the  remainder  in  six  annual  payments.  Im- 
provements have  been  commenced,  and  one  frame  and  one- 
log  house  are  about  ready  to  be  occupied  by  the  mission-fam- 
ily and  school.  The  debt  of  this  station  at  the  commence- 
ment of  the  year,  was  $492.  Expenses  during  the  year, 
$1,029,  of  which  $747  have  been  paid.  Amount  of  present 
debt,  $557.  The  nominal  value  of  receipts  during  the  year 
is  $1,116  r  a  portion  of  this  is  old  property,  at  present  of  far 
less  value  than  it  was  prized.  In  addition  to  these  receipts, 
$150Jwas  forwarded  by  mail,  and  has  not  been  received  ;  it  is 
probably  lost. 

"  In  June  last  a  church  was  formed  here,  consisting  of  fif- 
teen natives,  and  the  missionaries  :  four  of  the  natives  have 
been  baptized,  one  of  whom  was  Little  Beard  a  principal 
chief  of  the  Christian  party  ;  another  Jimeson,  the  interpre- 
ter. The  committee  represent  the  piety  and  faithfulness  of 
these  brethren  to  be  of  a  high  order,  and  the  station  to  pre- 
sent an  encouraging  aspect.     The  natives,  with  a  laudabk- 


116  BAPTIST   MISSIONARY    CONVENTlOSf* 

zeal,  have  commenced  a  meeting-house,  which,  when 
finished,  w^ill  be  both  pleasant  and  commodious.  For  their 
encouragement  the  Board  appropriated  to  them  -$30,  to  furnish 
nails  and  glass. 

"  Success. — The  past  year  seems  to  have  been  a  time  rather 
of  sowing  the  seed  of  the  kingdom  than  of  gathering  in  the 
harvest  ;  yet  we  rejoice  that  the  Lord  has  not  forgotten  to 
be  gracious.  Several  of  the  reports  embrace  very  interesting 
accounts  of  the  display  of  the  Divine  power  in  the 
application  of  the  word  of  life.  More  than  one  hundred 
and  thirty  believers  have  been  baptized  by  our  mission- 
aries, and  very  encouraging  indications  of  revivals  in 
several  places  at  present  exist :  many  feeble  churches,  appa- 
rently on  the  eve  of  dissolution,  have  been  preserved  and 
strengthened  by  their  advice  in  matters  of  discipline  and 
order.  They  have  assisted  in  constituting  a  number  of 
churches,  and  enabling  many  of  the  sheep  and  lambs  to  feed 
upon  the  'Plant  of  Renown j'  who  otherwise  must  have  hun- 
gered in  the  wilderness.  As  our  agents,  they  have  been  able 
to  obtain  8500  for  the  Convention  in  the  fields  of  their  labor, 
besides  what  we  may  subsequently  realize  in  the  donations 
of  auxiliary  societies  formed  by  them.  In  many  instances 
they  have  been  the  instruments  to  arrest  the  soul,  to  provoke 
the  penitential  tear,  the  trembling  prayer  ;  to  inspire  the  des- 
ponding spirit  with  holy  confidence  in  the  blood  of  Jesus 
Christ,  and  instruct  the  dear  disciple  how  to  behave  in  the 
church  of  God. 

"  Encouraging  Prospects. — We  are  cheered  amidst  our  la- 
bors by  the  increase  that  God  has  given  to  our  churches  in 
numbers,  in  wisdom,  and  in  grace,  and  we  hail  with  peculiar 
joy,  as  a  favorable  omen,  the  rapid  advance  of  the  spirit  of 
missionary  exertion  in  our  churches.  The  good  hand  of  God 
is  evidently  upon  us  for  our  good.  We  have  realized  it  in 
the  patient  continuance  of  the  brethren  in  watching  the  well- 
being  of  the  institution,  in  the  cheerfulness  with  which  they 
have  endured  their  toils,  and  the  brotherly  love  which  has 
invariably  prevailed.  It  is  no  less  exhibited  in  the  zeal  and 
fidelity  of  our  missionaries,  and  the  pleasure  with  which  they 
have  embraced  and  endured  the  hardness  of  missionary  ser- 
vice. The  same  good  spirit  which  actuates  the  missionary 
in  devoting  himself,  actuates  the  brethren  to  devote  of  their  sub- 
stance,  and  many  very  timely  donations  have  been  received." 


BAPTIST    3IISSI0NARY    CONVENTION.  117 

The  ninth  annual  meeting  of  the  Convention  was  held  at 
Palmyra,  Wayne  Co.,  Oct.  20  and  21,  1830.  The  intro- 
ductory sermon  was  delivered  by  Br.  Elon  Galusha,  from 
Galatians  iv.  18  :  "  But  it  is  good  to  be  zealously  affected 
always  in  a  good  thing."  Br.  Nathaniel  Kendrick  was 
chosen  moderator,  and  Brn.  J.  Smitzer  and  J.  B.  Worden 
clerks.  This  session  was  one  of  peculiar  interest,  and  the 
spirit  of  the  Master  appeared  to  be  diffused  throughout  the 
convocation.  Nineteen  associations  were  represented,  while 
all  the  delegates  seemed  to  say,  "  It  is  good  for  us  to  be  here." 
The  Treasurer  presented  his  report,  as  follows,  viz.  Balance  of 
last  year,  including  goods  and  obligations,  $1,289  87  ;  receipts 
during  the  year,  §3,914  39  ;  disbursements,  $4,519  37. 

In  the  following  extract  from  the  report  of  the  Board,  will 
be  seen  the  labors  for,  and  the  results  which  followed,  so  far 
as  they  are  known  : 

"  Dear  Brethren — At  no  time  have  we  been  more  cheer- 
ed by  the  testimony  of  Divine  approbation  than  at  present. 
Although  there  still  exists  some  proof  that  all  the  affections  of 
Christians  are  not  heavenly,  yet  the  principle  of  Christian 
benevolence  has  often  been  exemplified  while  our  agents  have 
been  collecting  for  the  treasury.  The  General  Agent  was 
prevented,  by  sickness,  from  visiting  three  associations,  and 
from  doing  some  other  business  for  the  Convention  ;  still,  he 
has  attended  nine  associations,  a  large  number  of  missionary 
societies  and  churches,  and  has  performed,  with  much  pru- 
dence  and  assiduity,  the  labor  of  the  general  superintendence 
of  the  concerns  of  the  Convention. 

"We  have  appointed  thirteen  missionaries  to  labor  in  dif- 
ferent parts  of  the  vineyard,  embracing  seven  years  and 
sixteen  weeks  of  ministerial  toil.  We  have  also  assisted 
sixteen  churches,  to  the  amount  of  $845 ;  and  we  have  ap- 
propriated $823  76  to  Indian  reform. 

"  Indian  Reform — Though  the  attention  of  our  brethren 
and  of  the  Board  has  long  been  directed  to  the  spiritual  in- 
terests  of  the  natives  of  our  land,  our  labors  for  them  have 
hitherto  been  far  more  circumscribed  than  our  desires.  Our 
operations,  at  present,  are  centered  at  Tonawanda ;  yet  we 
have  obtained  some  from  four  other  tribes,  and  hope  to  ob- 
tain still  more,  to  enjoy  the  blessings  of  instruction,  civiliza- 
tion, and  religion,  in  that  place. 


118  BAPTIST    MISSIONARY    CONVENTION. 

"  The  religious  prospects  at  this  time  are  encouraging. 
Meetings  for  divine  worship  on  the  Sabbath,  as  well  as  the 
monthly  meetings  of  the  church,  are  regularly  maintained. 
A  good  degree  of  harmony  exists  among  the  brethren,  and  a 
determination  to  persevere  characterizes  their  movements, 
and  an  increasing  desire  to  look  farther  into  the  mysteries  of 
receeming  love  is  very  apparent.  A  native  brother  and  sister 
•have  lately  finished  their  earthly  course,  leaving  the  most 
satisfactory  evidence  that  they  left  our  society  for  that  of 
*  the  spirits  of  just  men  made  perfect;'  their  loss  at  the  sta- 
tion is  sensibly  felt.  One  has  recently  requested  baptism, 
and  several  others  are  rejoicing  in  hope  ;  a  spirit  of  inquiry 
seems  to  prevail  among  some  of  those  who  have  generally 
attended  meetings  of  worship.  They  expect  to  finish  their 
meeting-house  before  winter. 

"  The  school  has  been  regularly  kept  through  the  year, 
except  when  interrupted  by  sickness,  or  some  transient  cir- 
cumstance. The  children  make  good  proficiency  in  learning ; 
a  number  can  read  well  in  the  scriptures,  have  made  some 
progress  in  grammar  and  arithmetic,  and  excel  in  their 
attainment  in  writing.  A  number  of  the  children  afford  the 
station  some  assistance,  particularly  since  the  removal  to  the 
new  site.  The  committee  for  that  station  say  the  mission- 
family  moves  on  in  great  harmony.  Br.  and  sister  Rollin 
very  satisfactorily  execute  the  trust  reposed  in  them,  and 
sister  Gardner,  a  female  assistant  in  the  school  department, 
is  much  devoted  to  the  object,  and  is  considered  a  valuable 
acquisition  to  the  station.  The  amount  of  expenses  during  the 
year  is  between  81,400  and  81,500.  Besides  the  expenses  of 
the  school,  and  of  the  mission-family,  this  sum  embraces  the  ex- 
penses for  clearing  and  fencing  land,  sowing  and  harvesting 
grain ;  and  also  of  an  additional  building  in  a  state  of  forward- 
ness, to  be  completed  before  winter,  and  one  payment  on  the 
land.  The  receipts  have  been  sufficient  to  balance  the  expend- 
itures. The  station  is  now  in  debt  about  8502,  as  nearly  as  we 
can  ascertain ;  the  value  of  the  property  is  considerably  in- 
creased by  the  improvements.  The  Board  have  authorized  the 
Executive  Committee  to  sell  the  old  mission  premises.  Though 
unparalleled  results  have  not  been  witnessed  from  our  endeav- 
ors for  the  prosperity  of  these  poor  benighted  people,  yet  we 
have  good  reason  to  believe  that  God  himself  has  owned  our 


BAPTIST   MISSIONARY  CONVENTION.  119 

labors  among  them,  and  that  he  has  blessings  in  his  treasury 
for  them  still. 

"  Success. — In  reviewing  the  stations  where  our  missiona- 
ries have  labored,  abundant  evidence  is  presented  that  the 
good  hand  of  the  Lord  has  been  with  them.  All  the  mis- 
sionaries, whose  reports  are  received,  have  faithfully  and 
advantageously  occupied  their  respective  fields  of  labor, 
while  many  under  their  ministry  have  joyfully  exclaimed, 
*How  beautiful  are  the  feet  of  them  that  preach  the  gospel 
of  peace,  and  bring  glad  tidings  of  good  things.'  Through 
their  instrumentality  many  of  Zion's  scattered  and  famish- 
ing flock  have  been  collected  from  the  barren  mountains,  and 
led  into  green  pastures,  and  by  the  side  of  the  still  waters  of 
the  sanctuary  ;  and  their  tears  of  gratitude  have  freely  flowed 
when  the  precious  gospel  has  been  announced,  or  its  reviving 
ordinances  administered.  By  them,  too,  the  violated  law- 
has  so  reiterated  its  thunders,  that  sinners,  overwhelmed  with 
a  sense  of  their  guilt,  have,  with  trembling  anxiety  and  bitter 
weeping,  been  heard  crying,  '  Men  and  brethren,  what  must 
we  do  ?'  And  while  the  Lamb  of  God  has  been  set  before 
them,  not  a  few  have  believed  to  the  saving  of  the  soul.  How 
many  may  have  been  translated  from  the  kingdom  of  dark- 
ness into  the  kingdom  of  God's  dear  Son,  we  are  unable  to 
say ;  yet  at  least  one  hundred  and  twenty-eight  have  during 
the  year  been  baptized,  and  thus  pledged  themselves  tcr  the 
service  of  Christ. 

"  Several  new  churches  have  also  been  organized,  a  number 
of  feeble  ones  enlarged  and  strengthened,  and  some,  almost 
extinct,  so  far  revived  and  encouraged  as  to  come  up  from 
the  wilderness  leaning  on  their  Beloved.  Another  fact,  not 
less  gratifying  to  the  best  feelings  of  the  pious  soul,  is,  that 
the  missionaries  have  bent  their  energies  to  advance  those 
benevolent  and  philanthropic  measures  which  we  believe, 
under  God,  will  prepare  the  way  for,  and  usher  in,  the  latter 
day  glory.  They  have  advocated  the  cause  of  Bible  socie- 
ties, Bible-classes,  Sunday-schools,  circulation  of  tracts, 
temperance  societies,  and  missionary  societies  ;  nor  has  their 
labor  been  in  vain  in  the  Lord.  Hence,  if  we  value  the 
soul  as  did  our  blessed  Lord,  if  we  estimate  the  joys  of  pardon 
as  did  the  pious  Psalmist,  or  if  we  rejoice  in  the  union,  the 
stability,  and  the  enlargement,  of  Zion,  as  did  the  devoted 


120  BAPTIST    MISSIONARY    COIs-^'ENTION. 

apostles,  we   must  most  assuredly  be   encouraged,  for  the 
Lord  hath  evidently  crowned  our  efforts  with  success." 

Tiie  tenth  annual  meeting  was  held  at  Elbridge,  Onon. 
Co.,  Oct.  19  and  20,  1831.  Br.  Joseph  Elliott,  of  Middle- 
bury,  delivered  the  introductory  sermon,  from  Romans  viii. 
3,  4.  Br.  Lewis  Leonard  was  moderator,  and  Brn.  J. 
Smitzer  and  C.  G.  Carpenter  were  clerks.  This  meeting 
was  one  of  indescribable  interest.  The  year  had  been  one 
singularly  glorious  to  Zion.  Her  King  had  appeared  in  the 
midst  of  the  golden  candlesticks  in  his  glory,  and  the  effect 
that  followed  was  seen  in  thousands  coming  up  to  the  help  of 
the  Lord  against  the  mighty,  and  more  especially  in  the 
ministry,  who  appeared  to  have  received  a  new  anointing,  so 
that  they  came  together  in  the  fullness  of  the  blessing  of  the 
gospel  of  Christ.  It  was  an  interview  that  never  will  be 
forgotten  by  those  who  attended.  The  following  resolution 
was  unanimously  passed  by  the  Convention,  illustrative  of 
their  feelings,  and  the  obligations  they  were  under  : 

"  Resolved,  That,  in  view  of  the  abundant  grace  bestowed 
on  the  church  the  past  year,  we  deeply  feel  our  obligations, 
as  Christians  and  as  ministers  of  the  gospel,  to  live  more 
devoted,  humble,  watchful,  prayerful,  and  active,  in  the  king- 
dom of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ." 

The  amount  of  receipts,  as  reported  by  the  Treasurer,  was 
$4,869  93;  disbursements,  $2,819  99.  The  Board  in  their 
report  say  : 

"  Dear  Brethren — When  we  accepted  the  service  en- 
trusted to  us  by  your  appointment,  the  whitened  fields  on 
every  side  invited  our  attention.  More  than  twice  the  usual 
number  of  requests  were  at  once  presented,  and  many  more 
have  been  made  during  the  year.  We  have  often  been  urged 
to  the  throne  of  grace,  to  pray  the  Lord  of  the  harvest  to 
send  forth  laborers  into  his  harvest,  and  that  the  saints  may 
share,  in  a  still  greater  degree,  the  grace  of  liberality. 

"The  services  of  our  General  Agent,  and  of  the  agents 
appointed  by  him,  have  been  highly  useful.  The  interests  of 
the  Convention  have  been  well  sustained  by  this  department. 

"  We  can  not  forbear  congratulating  ourselves  and  the 
Convention  on  account  of  the  unvarying  faithfulness  of  your 
Treasurer,  and  the  accuracy  and  perspicuity  of  his  accounts. 


BAPTIST    MISSIONARY  CONVENTION.  121 

His  services,  which  have  always  been  unrewarded,  can  not  be 
too  highly  appreciated. 

*•  Our  executive  committees  have  been  assiduous,  and  their 
labors  satisfactory.  We  think  that  in  every  auxiliary  asso- 
ciation and  society  such  a  committee  should  be  constituted. 
As  far  as  they  have  been  employed,  their  labors  have  been 
very  useful,  both  in  the  management  of  property  and  funds, 
and  in  the  selection  of  missionaries  and  fields  of  labor.  Our 
auxiliaries  appear  to  be  pleased  with  their  relation  to  the 
Convention,  and  desire  to  perpetuate  it.  Others,  also,  are 
desirous  of  enjoying  the  same  connection,  and  we  confidently 
hope  that,  at  a  period  not  very  far  distant,  every  desirable 
combination  of  missionary  efforts  in  this  State  will  be  effected. 
We  rejoice  to  learn  that  other  portions  of  the  vineyard  are 
combining  their  energies  for  the  promotion  of  the  same 
objects  that  are  contemplated  in  our  constitution,  and  we 
trust  that  the  wisdom,  benevolence,  and  liberality,  of  our 
denomination,  in  every  portion  of  the  United  States,  will  soon 
be  so  combined,  exerted,  and  diffused,  that  the  blessings 
which  excite  our  gratitude  this  evening  may  abound  through 
every  part  of  our  country. 

'•  Correspondence  is  opened  with  a  number  of  State  con- 
ventions and  missionary  societies  of  other  States,  through 
which  we  receive  cheering  intelligence  of  the  prosperity  of 
the  kingdom  of  Christ  in  other  parts ;  and  we  would 
respectfully  suggest  the  propriety  of  sending  delegates  to  visit 
as  many  of  the  bodies  with  which  we  correspond,  as  may  be 
practicable,  and  of  asking  their  messengers  in  return. 

"  We  have  received  testimonial  letters  from  associations, 
churches,  and  individuals,  in  relation  to  the  labors  and  con- 
duct of  our  missionaries,  which,  with  the  evidence  borne  on 
the  face  of  their  report,  satisfy  us  that  the  confidence  reposed 
in  them  was  not  misplaced.  Thirty-one  have  been  appointed 
to  labor  in  different  portions  of  the  State,  and  in  Upper  Can- 
ada, Michigan,  Ohio,  and  Pennsylvania.  Some  of  the 
appointments  have  not  been  accepted,  others  have  not  been 
entirely  filled,  and  some  of  the  service  that  has  been  rendered 
has  not  been  reported.  Four  years,  thirty-five  weeks,  and  six 
days,  of  missionary  labor  have  been  reported,  and  have  been 
paid  from  the  treasury.  We  have  also  assisted  thirteen 
churches,  to  the  amount  of  8767  ^^, 
11 


'V'-fi 


122  BAPTIST    MISSIONARY  CONVENTION. 

"  Thus,  about  thirty-four  servants  of  the  Lord  have  been 
assisted  while  laboring  in  the  vineyard,  and  the  Lord  has 
wrought  with  them.  Through  their  instrumentality  difficult- 
ies  have  been  adjusted,  peace  restored,  charity  promoted,, 
light  diffused,  the  weak  strengthened,  the  saints  comforted, 
and  sinners  saved. 

"  While  we  rejoice  to  be  laborers  together  with  God,  we 
desire  to  feel  and  say,  Without  thee  we  can  do  nothing  :  not 
unto  us,  not  unto  us,  but  to  thy  name  be  all  the  praise.  And 
now,  with  devout  gratitude  to  the  Father  of  mercies  for  the 
preservation  of  our  lives,  and  for  the  happy  privilege  of  meeU 
ing  you  in  this  anniversary,  we  resign,  with  this  report,  to 
your  hands,  the  trust  reposed  in  us  ;  praying  that  God  will 
graciously  pardon  us  wherein  we  have  erred,  and  enable  us 
all,  while  we  live^  to  glorify  his  Son,  Jesus  Christ." 

The  eleventh  annual  meeting  of  the  Convention  was  held 
at  Rome,  Oneida  Co.,  Oct.  17  and  18,  1832.  The  introduc- 
tory  sermon  was  delivered  by  Br.  Alfred  Bennett,  from  John 
XX.  21 :  "As  my  Father  hath  sent  me,  even  so  send  I  you."^ 
Br.  Bennett  was  moderator,  and  Brn.  Smitzer  and  J.  D.  Cole 
clerks.  The  Treasurer's  report  stated  the  receipts  to  be 
$8,307  24  ;  the  disbursements,  86,010  41.  This  meeting, 
though  less  interesting  than  that  of  the  preceding  year,  was 
nevertheless  fraught  with  an  heavenly  influence.  This  year 
had  been  one  of  lamentation,  in  consequence  of  the  ravages 
of  the  Asiatic  cholera.  Many  mourned  over  their  friends 
and  kindred  departed.  Four  distinguished  brethren,  three 
ministers,  and  one  a  deacon,  whose  praise  was  in  all  the 
churches,  had  passed  from  the  scenes  of  their  toils  to  that  of 
their  inheritance  within  the  conventional  year.  The  follow- 
ing resolution,  expressive  of  the  feelings  of  the  Convention 
in  these  afflictive  bereavements,  was  passed,  accompanied 
with  singing  the  hymn  comm.encing  with  "Why  do  we 
mourn  departing  friends?" 

"  Resolved^  That,  while  we  bow  with  profound  submission 
to  the  solemn  events  of  Divine  Providence,  which,  during 
the  year  past,  have  removed  by  death  our  beloved  and 
lamented  brethren,  Nathaniel  J.  Gilbert,  Enoch  Green,  and 
Jairus  Handy,  faithful  ministers  of  Christ,  and  Dea.  Thomas 
Stokes,  a  devoted  servant  of  the  church,  all  life  members  of 


UAPTIST   MISSIONARY  CONVENTION.  123 

the  Convention,  and  former  members  of  its  Board,  we  deeply 
deplore  the  loss  of  their  endearing  society  and  their  valuable 
labors,  and  sincerely  condole  with  their  surviving  and  afflict- 
ed relatives,  praying  that  God  will  sanctify  both  to  them  and 
us  these  distressing  bereavements." 

In  the  spring  of  this  year  the  American  Baptist  Home 
Mission  Society  was  formed,  under  very  favorable  circum- 
stances,  in  the  city  of  New  York  ;  it  being  fully  the  opinion 
of  the  denomination,  then  and  there  represented,  that  the 
necessities  of  our  beloved  country  called  for  such  an  organi- 
zation. 

The  Executive  Committee  of  that  Society  having  invited 
the  Convention  to  become  an  auxiliary, 

^^  Resolved,  That  this  Convention  become  an  auxiliary  to 
the  American  Baptist  Home  Missionary  Society,  in  accord- 
ance with  the  conditions  expressed  in  the  seventh  article  of 
their  constitution." 

The  report  of  the  Board  remarks  : 

"  Eleven  years  have  now  passed  since  the  organization  of 
this  Convention,  during  which  it  has  enjoyed,  in  a  most 
encouraging  degree,  the  favor  both  of  God  and  man  ;  and  to 
the  praise  of  God  we  would  acknowledge,  that  the  past  year 
has  added  abundant  testimonials  of  the  Divine  approbation, 
as  well  as  numerous  occasions  of  gratitude  and  praise ;  and 
though  called  in  Providence  to  record  the  death  of  two  mem- 
bers, brethren  beloved,  viz.  Dea.  Thomas  Stokes,  of  New 
York,  and  Eld.  Enoch  Green,  of  Westmoreland,  yet  we  still 
rejoice  that  our  Savior  lives,  and  permits  us  with  the  fullest 
confidence  to  commit  the  interests  of  the  Convention  to  his 
care.  During  the  year  we  have  made  appropriations  to 
twenty-six  churches,  amounting  to  $1,480,  and  have  appoint- 
ed twenty-nine  missionaries,  whose  terms  of  service  amount 
to  twelve  years  and  six  months.  Reports  have  been  received 
from  most  of  our  missionaries  and  stations.  The  returns 
are  highly  satisfactory.  A  number  of  new  churches  have 
been  constituted  ;  others  have  been  revived  and  strengthened, 
and  many  disciples  have  been  baptized. 

"  The  Indian  station  at  Tonawanda  has  been  sustained. 
Sister  Teresa  Johnson,  of  the  1st  Baptist  church  in  Lisle, 
has  recently  been  appointed,  and  is  now  ready  to  join  the 
station,  and  assist  in  the  good  work.     81,035   have  been 


124  BAPTIST    MISSIO^^ARY  CONVENTION. 

appropriated  to  sustain  the  expenses,  and  to  make  a  payment 
for  the  premises.  Contributions  have  also  been  received 
from  the  vicinity,  and  appropriated  by  the  Executive  Com- 
mittee. About  thirty  scholars  have  been  taught  through  the 
year,  and  their  progress  is  said  to  equal  that  of  any  school 
of  their  advantages. 

"  The  meeting-house  of  the  native  church  has  been  open- 
ed for  worship  ;  and  a  protracted  meeting,  held  with  the 
church,  was  attended  v»'ith  a  blessing  both  to  Christians  and 
pagans.  The  church  has  had  considerable  accessions,  and 
lias  formed  a  temperance  society  on  the  principle  of  entire 
abstinence  ;  and  the  general  deportment  of  the  members  is 
represented  as  truly  exemplary." 

The  twelfth  annual  meeting  was  held  at  East  Menclon, 
Monroe  Co.,  Oct.  16  and  17,  1833.  The  introductory  ser- 
mon was  delivered  by  Br.  Jonathan  Wade,  late  from  Burmah, 
from  Matt,  xxviii.  20  :  "  Lo,  I  am  with  you  always,  even 
unto  the  end  of  the  world."  Br.  O.  C.  Comstock  was 
moderator,  and  Brn.  Joseph  Elliott  and  Elisha  Tucker  clerks. 
This  session  throughout  was  one  of  great  harmony,  and 
unusual  concern  for  the  advancement  of  the  Redeemer's 
kingdom.  The  presence  of  Br.  and  Sister  Wade,  with  the 
Asiatic  brethren,  added  great  interest  to  the  meeting. 

The  arrows  of  Death  having  again  prostrated  in  the  grave 
two  of  the  earliest  friends  of  the  Convention,  the  following 
resolution  was  adopted  : 

"  Resolved^  That,  while  this  Convention  are  deeply  sensible 
of  the  loss  they  have  sustained  since  the  last  annual  meeting, 
in  the  decease  of  our  beloved  brethren,  Elds.  Caleb  Douglass 
and  Benjamin  Budiong,  we  rejoice,  that^  through  the  grace  of 
our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  they  have  left  among  their  friends  the 
precious  confidence  that  they  have  entered  upon  eternal 
rest.  May  God  grant  that  those  who  remain  may  finally 
depart,  leaving  the  same  impression," 

The  following  resolution  was  also  adopted : 

^^  Resolved,  That  the  Board  be  instructed  to  take  such 
measures  as  they  may  think  proper  to  raise,  the  ensuing  year, 
S6,000  within  this  State  for  the  treasury  of  the  American 
Baptist  Home  Mission  Society." 


BAPTIST   MISSIONARY   CONVENTION*  125 

The  Treasurer  reported  his  receipts  to  be  88,073  53  ;  the 
disbursements,  $4,863  05. 

The  following  extract  of  the  Board  will  show  the  amount 
of  labor  performed,  and  the  success  : 

"  Dear  Fathers  and  Brethren — -In  presenting  our 
report,  we  discharge  a  pleasant  duty,  by  acknowledging  that 
the  care  of  the  Shepherd  of  Israel  has  preserved  our  number 
from  the  arrows  of  Death.  The  grace  of  our  merciful  and 
faithful  High-Priest  has  assisted  in  our  labors,  and  the  pre- 
sence of  the  great  Comforter  has  cheered  us  in  our  toil.  Our 
duties  have  been  unusually  arduous  ;  but  we  have  endeavored 
to  investigate  with  patience,  to  deliberate  with  sincerity, 
and  to  decide  under  a  deep  sense  of  our  responsibility  to  our 
brethren,  but  especially  to  God,  '  who  searcheth  the  heart.' 

"  The  Board,  in  commencing  their  operations,  at  first 
appointed  the  usual  standing  committees,  which  have  per- 
formed their  respective  duties  to  the  entire  satisfaction  of  the 
Board.  Executive  committees  were  also  constituted  in  many 
auxiliaries  :  some  of  these  have  not  yet  reported  their  doings ; 
but  as  far  as  w^e  are  able  to  judge,  from  the  communications 
received,  an  increasing  interest  is  felt  in  benevolent  opera- 
tions in  general ;  and  what  is  peculiarly  favorable,  is,  there 
is  a  great  addition  to  the  number  that  are  willing  to  bear  a 
part  in  the  labors  and  responsibilities. 

"  About  twenty-four  years  of  service  have  been  performed 
in  the  churches  aided  by  the  Board ;  and  six  years  have  been 
reported  as  performed  under  the  appointments  of  the  Board, 
making  thirty  years.  Ten  years'  labor  have  probably  been 
performed,  but  not  reported,  and  ten  more  under  the  appoint- 
ments and  appropriations  of  auxiliaries,  making  a  total  of 
fifty  years. 

«  The  American  Baptist  Home  Mission  Society  is  doing  a 
great  work,  and  we  rejoice  to  co-operate  with  them  as  an 
auxiliar.  They  need  our  aid,  from  the  fact  that  we  have 
hitherto  occupied  so  much  territory  beyond  the  limits  of  our 
own  State — ^we  have  paid  into  their  treasury  but  8300. 
Brn.  Going  and  Crosby,  delegates  from  this  Society,  have 
been  with  us  in  our  present  session,  and  have  given  a  short 
but  interesting  account  of  its  plans  and  labors.  Should  our 
field  be  diminished  nearly  to  the  boundaries  of  the  State,  we 
recommend  that  measures  be  adopted  to  secure  an  amount  of 
11* 


126  BAPTIST    MISSIONAKY  GONVENTXOK. 

funds  for  the  treasury  of  that  Society,  commensurate  with 
our  ability,  and  with  our  rank  among  its  auxiUaries," 

The  following  extract  from  the  report  of  the  Executive 
Committee  on  the  Tonawanda  station  is  appended  to  show 
the  state  and  progress  of  Indian  reform  : 

"  Public  worship  has  been  regularly  maintained  through 
the  year,  and  so  have  church,  covenant,  and  conference, 
meetings,  and  a  Sunday-school.  Owing  to  a  train  of  cir- 
cumstances beyond  human  control,  the  school  was  suspended 
on  the  first  of  June, 

"  In  the  first  place,  Sister  Johnson,  who  joined  the  mission 
last  fall,  had  to  leave  in  the  spring,  and  return  home  for  want 
of  health. 

"  About  the  fii'st  of  June  the  small-pox  appeared  among 
the  natives.  Br.  Rollin  was  exposed,  and  some  others.  It 
was  thought  best  to  have  the  scholai's  dispersed,  until  all 
fears  of  its  general  prevalence  should  subside :  during  which 
time  the  health  of  Sister  Gardner,  female  teacher  from  De 
Ruyter,  became  so  impaired  that  she  had  to  leave  the  station. 
Just  at  this  time  Br.  Rollin  asked  for  a  dismission,  and  about 
the  same  time  information  was  received  that  Br.  R.  Madclock 
might  be  obtained  to  succeed  liim. 

"  On  the  20th  ult.  your  Committee  met  at  the  station, 
granted  Br.  Rollin  a  dismission,  and  wrote  to  Br.  Maddock 
to  move  on  the  ground.  As  Br.  Rollin  is  soon  to  move 
away,  and  as  we  should  have  no  teacher,  it  was  deemed 
expedient  to  let  the  scholars  remain  at  home  ujitil  Br.  Mad- 
dock^s  arrival.  During  the  continuance  of  the  school,  thirty- 
five  children  were  taught ;  the  average  number  is  twenty- 
five.  As  no  buildings  have  been  erected  the  present  year, 
and  as  the  school  has  been  discontinued  since  the  first  of 
June,  and  as  the  family  v/as  supplied,  to  a  considerable  extent, 
from  the  product  of  the  farm,  the  expenses  of  the  station 
have  been  much  less  the  past  year  than  for  several  years 
before. 

"  As  Br.  Rollin  is  now  dismissed  from  his  charge  at  the 
station,  it  is  but  just  to  remark  that  he  has,  together  with  his 
wife,  labored  faithfully  and  satisfactorily  between  five  and 
six  years.  He  has  asked  a  discharge,  not  because  any  com- 
plaint or  dissatisfaction  has  arisen,  but  the  only  reason  he 
assigns,  is,  a  successor  might,  in  his  opinion,  render  more 


BAPTIST   5nSSI0:NARr  COTfVENTION'.  127 

essential  service  to  this  people.  The  two  females  associated 
with  them,  viz.  Sisters  Gardner  and  Burrows,  have  inces- 
santly toiled  with  them  amidst  privations  and  trials.  Your 
Committee  have  settled  with  Br.  Rollin  as  far  as  they  are 
authorized,  and  the  terms  will  be  a  subject  of  verbal  commu- 
nication to  the  Convention > 

"  It  is  but  a  few  years  since  the  fii'st  efforts  were  made  to 
meliorate  the  condition  of  this  benighted  people.  They  then 
had  no  knowledge  of  letters,  of  the  true  God,  and  of  the  way 
of  salvation  by  Jesus  Christ.  Man's  origin  and  destination 
were  subjects  with  which  they  were  unacquainted.  Indis- 
tinct notions  of  an  hereafter  were  matters  of  traditional 
speculation.  Many  of  the  rising  generation  have  been 
taught  in  reading,  writing,  arithmetic,  grammar,  and  geog- 
raphy, and  a  goodly  number  are  able  to  read  the'^  Bible  with 
ease  and  propriety. 

"  Should  this  people  ultimately  migrate  to  the  west,  they 
will  carry  the  knowledge  of  letters,  of  the  Bible,  and  of  the 
Savior  ;  and  although  comparatively  but  few  have  been  con- 
verted to  the  Christian  faith,  yet  out  of  the  number  which 
have  been  added  to  the  church,  four  have  died,  leaving  satis- 
factory evidence  that  they  were  adopted  into  the  family  of 
the  first  born, 

"  Will  it  be  too  much,  to  indulge  a  belief  that  some  of  the 
patrons  of  Indian  reform  will  haiL  with  rapture  some  of  the 
sons  of  the  forest  in  that  woild  where  difference  of  dialect 
and  of  skin  will  be  unknown  amidst  the  songs  of  the  redeem- 
ed ?  And  how  would  it  heighten  their  astonishment,  should 
the  scene  be  so  reversed  that  they  should  deem  it  an  honor  to 
sit  at  the  feet  of  an  Indian,  to  learn  new  lessons  in  heavenly 
science  1  All  which  is  respectfully  submitted. 

"Eli  Stone,  ^ 

"Martin  Colman,    > Ex,   Com.^^ 
"Wm,  B.  Brown,      > 

The  thirteenth  annual  meeting  was  held  at  Utica,  Oct.  15 
and  16,  1834.  Br.  Peter  Ludlow  delivered  the  introductory 
discourse,  from  Psalm  Ixvii.  2  :  "  That  thy  way  may  be 
known  upon  earth,  thy  saving  health  among  all  nations."  Br, 
Lewis  Leonard  was  moderator,  and  Brn,  Smitzer  and  Z» 
Freeman  clerks.     The  meeting  was  unusually  full.    Twenty- 


128  BAPTIST   MISSIONARY  CONVENTION. 

six  associations  were  represented,  and  delegates  were  appoint- 
ed by  four  other  associations,  who  were  absent.  A  most 
delightful  flow  of  fraternal  kindness  pervaded  the  session, 
and  the  brethren  felt  a  consciousness  that  the  Lord  was  in  the 
midst.  The  fact  being  announced  that  God  had  changed  the 
countenances  of  three  valued  brethren,  and  sent  them  away, 
the  following  resolution  was  adopted  : 

"  Resolved,  That  this  Convention  are  deeply  sensible  of 
the  loss  they  have  sustained,  during  the  past  year,  in  the 
death  of  that  aged  and  faithful  servant  of  Christ,  Rev.  Dr. 
John  Stanford,  of  the  city  of  New  York,  senior  Vice-Presi- 
dent, and  of  Dea.  Joshua  Harpham,  of  the  city  of  Troy,  one 
of  the  Directors,  and  of  Br.  Joshua  Chandler,  of  Spafford, 
a  Life  Member ;  and  that  the  Convention  tender  their 
Christian  sympathies  to  their  afflicted  families." 

The  receipts  into  the  treasury  for  the  year,  were 
$11,051  71;  orders  paid  amounted  to  i7,924  81.  From  the 
report  of  the  Board  it  appears  that  appropriations  and 
appointments  were  made  to  provide  for  thirty  years  of  minis- 
terial labor  among  the  destitute,  at  an  expense  of  $6,096. 
The  amount  of  labor  reported  as  performed  was  twelve  years 
and  thirty-six  weeks,  for  which  orders  were  drawn  on  the 
treasury  amounting  to  #4,825. 

The  following  extract  from  the  report  is  added,  as  it  ex- 
hibits the  views  of  the  Board  with  reference  to  the  labors 
performed,  and  the  present  views  of  the  denomination  respect- 
ing the  Convention  : 

"We  learn,  however,  from  these  reports,  that  our  missionaries, 
both  traveling  and  stationed,  have  been  laborious,  preaching 
the  gospel  publicly,  and  from  house  to  house,  and  in  general 
have  been  quite  successful  in  building  up  churches,  in  com. 
forting,  instructing,  and  guiding,  the  saints,  and  in  gathering 
fruit  unto  everlasting  life.  About  thirty  years  of  ministerial 
labor  have  been  performed  under  the  appropriations  of  your 
bounty,  and  in  many  places  the  additions  have  been  large, 
but  the  aggregate  number  baptized  we  have  not  the  means 
of  ascertaining.  A  very  laudable  zeal  is  excited  among 
the  churches  to  provide  respectable  places  of  worship,  to 
maintain  the  stated  ministry,  to  help  forward  the  plans  of  the 
Convention,  to  sustain  Sunday-schools,  and  to  aid  various 
benevolent  institutions.     The  exciting  and  cherishing  of  this 


BAPTIST    MISSIONARY  CONVENTION.  129 

zeal  we  regard  as  worthy  of  a  high  place  among  the  favorable 
results  of  missionary  operations.  Many  churches  have 
already,  from  being  beneficiaries,  become  the  patrons,  of  the 
Convention. 

"  The  Convention. — The  Convention,  as  its  plans  are  now 
matured,  and  its  character  established,  and  its  operations 
systematized,  is  capable,  with  the  approbation  of  God,  of 
becoming  a  most  powerful  auxiliar  in  the  cause  of  benevo- 
lence ;  and,  indeed,  the  providence  of  God  has  called  us  to  a 
great  work. 

"  The  State  of  New  York  probably  sustains  one-third  of 
the  dependence  for  supplying  North  America  with  the  gospel ; 
and  considering  the  proportion  that  Baptists  bear  to  the 
whole  number  of  evangelical  Christians,  what  a  vast  respon- 
sibility rests  on  them,  and  what  induce  *iient  to  put  forth  at 
this  time  their  strongest  efforts  in  effecting  this  noble  purpose." 

The  following  resolutions  were  unanimously  adopted ; 

^'•Resolved,  That  we  believe  home  missionary  exertions 
are  fully  identified  with  foreign  operations,  and  that  the  suc- 
cess of  the  latter  in  a  great  measure  depends  upon  the 
success  of  the  former;  and  further,  believing  that  God 
graciously  designs  the  American  churches  to  take  an  impor- 
tant station  in  the  aims  of  the  saints  for  the  subjugation  of 
the  world  to  the  authority  of  Christ,  we  can  not  too  earnestly 
press  upon  our  brethren  the  necessity  of  renewed  and  much 
increased  exertion,  and  that  we  regard  the  claims  of  the 
American  Baptist  Home  Mission  Society  as  second  in  impor- 
tance to  those  of  no  other  benevolent  institution  which 
demands  the  patronage  of  the  denomination,  and  we  earnestly 
solicit  the  churches  with  which  we  are  connected  to  contri- 
bute liberally  to  its  funds. 

''^Resolved,  That,  in  view  of  the  increasing  ability  of  our 
denomination  in  this  State,  and  the  just  and  pressing  claims 
which  the  great  valley  of  the  west  and  other  portions  of  our 
country  embraced  in  the  field  of  the  American  Baptist  Home 
Mission  Society  present,  we  pledge  to  that  body  ten  thousand 
dollars,  to  be  raised  in  this  State  the  ensuing  year." 

The  fourteenth  annual  meeting  was  held  in  Albany,  Oct. 
21  and  22,  1835.  Br.  Aaron  Perkins  delivered  the  sermon, 
from  Zech.  xiv.  8.     Br.  S.  H.  Cone  was  moderator,  and 


130  BAPTIST    JIISSIONARY  CONVENTION. 

Brn.  B.  M.  Hill  and  D.  Bellamy  were  clerks.  The  meeting 
was  one  of  delightful  interest,  and  though  somewhat  less 
numerously  attended  than  the  last,  still  twenty-six  associa* 
lions  were  represented,  and  all  the  delegates  appeared  to 
feel  that  they  "  sat  together  in  heavenly  places  in  Christ 
Jesus."  The  Treasurer's  report  showed  the  receipts  to  be 
$17,636  35,  and  the  amount  paid  out  to  be  816,009  64. 
With  reference  to  the  events  that  occurred,  and  to  the  labors 
that  were  performed,  the  following  extract  from  the  report 
of  the  Board  will  furnish  a  full  view : 

"Dear  Brethren — In  surrendering  to  you  the  trust  you 
were  pleased  to  commit  to  our  hands  at  the  last  annual 
meeting,  we  would,  in  compliance  with  the  constitutional 
requisition,  present  a  report  of  our  doings  the  past  year.  In 
performing  this  duty,  we  would  record  our  acknowledgment 
of  the  Divine  goodness,  which  has  been  over,  and  v/ith  a 
single  exception  preserved,  us  from  the  ravages  of  death, 
presided  in  all  our  deliberations,  promoted  harmony  in  all  our 
decisions,  and  crowned  our  efforts  to  extend  the  cause  of 
Christ  with  favorable  results. 

"  The  instance  of  death  referred  to  was  that  of  our  dear 
brother,  Dea.  Squire  Manro.  Although  this  event  was  anti- 
cipated, yet  when  it  occurred  it  produced  in  our  minds  those 
feelings  which  are  peculiar  to  the  saints  when  called  to  part 
with  a  worthy  and  efficient  coadjutor  in  the  cause  of  God. 
Such  was  emphatically  the  character  of  Dea.  Manro. 
During  a  long  life  he  was  a  man  of  active  and  enlarged 
benevolence.  His  time,  his  talents,  and  his  substance,  were 
consecrated  to  the  cause  of  Christ.  At  the  organization  of 
this  Convention  he  was  called  to  fill  the  office  of  President, 
in  which  he  continued  for  several  years,  until  his  age  and 
infirmities  prompted  him  to  resign.  Since  that  time  he  has, 
as  a  Vice-President,  ever  manifested  a  glowing  zeal  to  have 
the  Convention  occupy  those  extensive  fields  which  were 
opening  before  it  :  and  even  to  his  dying  day  his  prayers 
and  alms  for  the  missionary  enterprise  were  not  relaxed. 
But  the  Master  whom  he  had  long  served,  and  for  whose 
coming  he  had  patiently  waited,  has  terminated  his  labors, 
and  called  him  to  receive  the  rewards  of  grace. 

"  At  the  commencement  of  the  last  conventional  year  the 
spirit  of  enlarged  benevolence  appeared  to  be  richly  diffused 


BAPTIST    MISSIONARY  CONVENTION.  131 

among  the  brethren  then  present ;  insomuch  that,  notwith- 
standing there  remained  a  balance  due  of  nearly  $800  on 
the  pledge  given  to  the  American  Baptist  Home  Mission 
Society  the  preceding  year,  yet,  with  an  ardor  akin  to  that  of 
apostolic  days,  the  Convention  resolved  unanimously  to  at- 
tempt to  raise  $10,000  the  past  year  to  aid  the  A.  B.  H.  M.  S. 
in  its  labors  in  the  Valley  of  the  Mississippi.  To  accomplish 
this  object,  it  was  evident  but  a  small  amount  was  required 
from  each  of  the  seventy  thousand  Baptists  in  this  State  ; 
yet,  aware  of  the  fluctuations  of  the  human  mind,  we  were 
desirous  that  no  efforts  should  be  left  untried  to  secure  that 
sum,  and  also  to  provide  for  the  necessities  of  our  own  par- 
ticular field  of  labor. 

"  The  experience  of  the  past  having  fully  confirmed  us  in 
the  opinion  that  the  success  of  benevolent  efforts,  so  far  as 
the  securing  of  funds  is  concerned,  is  intimately  connected 
with  the  services  of  experienced  and  efiicient  agents,  we  lost 
no  time  in  securing  the  entire  services  of  our  former  Gen- 
eral Agent ;  and  we  are  happy  to  say,  that,  since  the  first  of 
January,  he  has  been  most  indefatigably  engaged  in  the 
specific  duties  of  his  office.  From  the  success  with  which 
his  labors  were  crov/ned,  we  were  convinced  it  would  tend 
very  much  to  increase  the  amount  of  the  receipts  of  the 
Convention,  if  all  the  churches  could  be  visited,  and  the 
claims  of  God  and  a  lost  world  be  spread  before  them  ;  hence 
we  felt  the  necessity  of  more  agents,  and  in  February  the 
Board  made  choice  of  Eld.  Lewis  Leonard  to  be  associated 
with  the  General  Agent.  Br.  Leonard  accepted  the  appoint- 
ment, but  was  unable,  in  view  of  his  engagements  with  his 
people,  to  enter  upon  the  duties  of  the  office  until  the  first  of 
May ;  and  ever  since  that  time,  we  have  to  regret,  that, 
owing  to  circumstances  beyond  his  control,  he  has  been  able 
to  devote  only  a  part  of  his  time  to  the  duties  of  his  agency  ; 
yet  we  are  sensible  his  labors  have  been  highly  beneficial  in 
swelling  the  amount  of  contributions  to  our  treasury. 
Agreeably  to  the  power  vested  in  the  General  Agent,  he  has 
appointed  sub-agents,  of  whom  he  will  speak  in  his  report. 

"  In  our  last  report  we  communicated  the  fact  that  our 
dear  brother,  Dea.  Joshua  Harpham,  of  Troy,  who  for  many 
years  had  been  a  member  of  this  Board,  had  been  called  to 
give  an  account  of  his  stewardship.     We  have  now  the 


132  BAPTIST    MISSIONARY    CONVENTION, 

satisfaction  to  communicate  the  intelligence  that  Dea. 
Harpham,  after  having  served  his  generation  by  the  will  of 
God,  left  in  his  last  will  and  testament  a  legacy  of  ^1,000  to 
this  Convention.  This  legacy  has  recently  been  paid,  by 
the  acting  executor  of  the  will ;  and  though  dead,  yet  by  this 
provision  Dea.  Harpham  will  aid  a  number  of  feeble  churches, 
and  send  the  light  of  life  to  the  benighted  and  perishing  in 
the  great  valley  of  the  west. 

"  At  our  meeting  in  February  last,  the  late  Secretary,  Br, 
Calvin  G.  Carpenter,  who  had  for  eight  years  served  the 
Convention  in  that  office,  to  the  entire  satisfaction  of  all 
concerned,  tendered  his  resignation  of  the  same.  As  a 
Board,  we  should  have  been  happy  could  we  have  prevailed 
upon  him  to  continue  in  office  until  the  present  time ;  but  as 
his  decision  was  peremptory,  we  were  under  the  necessity  of 
accepting  his  resignation,  and  of  electing  a  secretary  for  the 
residue  of  the  year,  according  to  the  constitutional  provision. 
We  therefore  proceeded  to  an  election,  and  were  unanimous 
in  the  choice  of  Br.  John  Smitzer,  who  has  discharged  the 
duties  of  that  office  since  May  last. 

"  Results  of  Labor. — The  amount  of  ministerial  labor  per- 
formed during  the  year  can  not  be  definitely  stated,  as  many 
whose  appointments  were  made  during  the  year  have  not 
definitely  reported,  and  others,  whose  reports  are  due,  have 
not  performed  this  service  :  from  the  reports  received,  it 
appears  that  thirty  years  of  ministerial  toil  have  been  pro- 
vided for  in  fifty  different  churches,  forty.six  of  which  are 
located  in  twenty-four  counties  in  this  State,  and  the  remain- 
ing four  in  as  many  different  counties  in  northern  Pennsyl- 
vania.  In  addition  to  the  churches  aided,  twenty-four  mis- 
sionaries have  reported  ten  years  and  nine  weeks  of  labor 
performed ;  thus  making  an  aggregate  of  forty  years  and 
nine  weeks  of  labor  laid  out  upon  the  destitute  through  your 
munificence.  As  the  result  of  this  service,  one  church  has 
been  organized,  which  has  received  the  fellowship  of  an 
ecclesiastical  council,  and  two  conferences  have  been  set  in 
order,  preparatory  to  their  being  recognized  as  distinct 
churches.  How  many  souls  have  been  hopefully  converted 
to  God,  we  must  leave  to  be  shown  by  the  Judge  of  all  the 
earth  at  the  day  of  decision  ;  it  is,  however,  our  privilege  to 
say,  that,  from  the  reports  received,  it  appears  three  hundred 


BAPTIST    MISSIONARY  CONVENTION.  133 

and  five,  who,  in  the  judgment  of  charity,  had  passed  from 
death  unto  life,  have  been  baptized.  Unquestionably,  had  all 
the  reports  due  been  received,  this  number  would  have  been 
increased. 

"  Tonawanda  Station. — ^By  all  devoted  Christians,  the  con- 
dition of  the  natives  is  regarded  as  interesting ;  nor  have 
we  been  destitute  of  a  desire  to  benefit  them.  The  remem* 
brance  that  their  ancestors  were  once  lords  of  this  soil — that 
they  are  fast  wasting  away — -and  that  comparatively  but  few 
are  interested  in  the  blessings  of  redemption,  has  led  us,  for 
a  number  of  years,  to  devote  a  portion  of  your  benefactions 
to  provide  for  the  instruction,  both  of  themselves  and  their 
children,  in  the  way  of  righteousness,  and  in  the  common 
branches  of  education.  The  annual  report  of  the  Executive 
Committee  who  have  the  charge  of  that  department  is  here 
annexed,  as  furnishing  a  full  view  of  our  labors  and  success 
the  past  year : 

"*  Your  committee  feel  it  to  be  their  duty  and  privilege, 
first  of  all,  to  record  the  goodness  of  the  Lord  in  preserving 
the  mission  family,  and  the  children  under  their  care,  from 
the  influence  of  disease,  and  from  the  arrows  of  death.  It 
would  gladden  our  hearts  could  we  present  some  very  cheer- 
ing intelligence  to  the  Convention  ;  but  this  is  not  our  privi- 
lege :  yet  we  rejoice  to  say  that  the  good  hand  of  the  Lord 
iias  been  manifest  in  the  midst  of  trials,  which  has  kept  our 
hearts  from  fainting  in  the  day  of  adversity, 

" '  At  the  commencement  of  the  last  conventional  year, 
the  situation  of  the  station  was  somewhat  discouraging^ 
The  formxr  superintendent  had  retired  from  the  charge  of  it, 
and  the  brother  who  was  appointed  by  the  Board  to  succeed 
him,  after  spending  a  few  weeks  on  the  ground,  declined  the 
appointment.  Under  these  circumstances,  the  committee 
felt  no  small  embarrassment,  as  it  became  their  duty  to  obtain 
some  person  forthwith  to  enter  upon  the  duties  of  superin* 
tendent.  Fortunately,  the  providence  of  God  pointed  out 
Br.  James  B.  Rollin,  and  the  committee  appointed  him  for 
the  time  being,  until  they  might  be  able  to  obtain  some  other 
person ;  but  upon  further  acquaintance  with  Br.  Rolhn,  in 
which  his  adaptation  to  the  service  was  developed,  the  com- 
inittee  arrived  at  the  conclusion  that  the  Lord  had  prepared 
him,  to  fill  the  office  of  superintendent  of  the  station;  they 
13 


134  BAPTIST    MISSIONARY    CONVENTION. 

accordingly  gave  him  a  permanent  appointment.  Since  his 
appointment,  Br.  Rollin  has  been  united  in  marriage  with  a 
sister  Alcott,  who  appears  to  be  a  help-meet  for  him,  and  an 
important  assistant  at  the  station.  The  natives  appear  to 
be  much  attached  to  the  new  superintendent,  and  all  the 
mission-family ;  and  it  is  fondly  hoped  a  more  interesting 
state  of  things  will  follow  the  current  year. 

"  *  The  school  for  the  Indian  children  has  been  continued 
through  the  year,  accompanied  with  demonstrations  of  the 
Divine  favor.  The  largest  number  in  attendance  at  any 
time  has  been  thirty-seven ;  the  average  attendance  is  thirty- 
five.  The  children  are  from  the  Oneida,  Tuscarora,  and 
Seneca,  tribes.  They  have  made  good  proficiency  in  their 
studies,  and  appear  to  be  happy  in  the  mission-family.' 

'•  Conclusion. — In  reviewing  the  labors  of  another  year,  we 
rejoice  that  so  much  has  been  done  in  this  department  of 
benevolent  effort.  We  find,  too,  the  liberality  of  the  friends 
of  the  Savior,  and  of  a  perishing  world,  far  in  advance  of 
what  had  been  before  developed  ;  and  we  are  conscious,  that, 
with  the  wealth  possessed  by  the  denomination  in  this  State, 
still  more  noble  and  philanthropic  exertions  may  be  confident- 
ly expected.  The  Convention  has  a  strong  hold  upon  the 
hearts  of  the  people  of  God ;  and  many  remember  it  in  their 
prayers  before  the  throne,  and  are  unwilling  to  deprive 
themselves  of  the  privilege  of  being  fellow-laborers  with 
their  brethren  in  multiplying  the  means  to  enlighten,  to 
purify,  and  to  save,  the  ruined  race  of  man.  When  we  com- 
menced the  labors  of  the  year,  we  felt  that  the  hearts  of  all 
were  under  the  control  of  the  King  of  Zion  ;  and  as  we 
advanced,  we  have  made  our  anxieties  and  our  wants  known 
to  Him  whose  is  the  silver  and  gold,  with  the  cattle  upon 
the  thousands  of  hills,  in  our  interesting  State  ;  and  at  every 
point  he  has  been  better  to  us  than  our  fears.  The  amount 
which  is  reported  as  being  received  has  enabled  us  to  redeem 
our  pledges  ;  and  we  are  prepared  to  say,  in  laying  before  you 
the  result,  '  The  Lord  reigneth !  let  the  earth  rejoice  /' 

"  Elon  Galusha,  Pres. 
"John  Smitzer,  <S^ec." 

The  fifteenth  annual  meeting  was  held  at  Whitesboro,  Oct. 
19  and  20,  1836.     Br.  E.  Kingsford  deUvered  the  introduc 


BAPTIST   MISSIONARY   CONVENTION.  135 

tory  sermon,  from  John  xviii.  35  :  "  My  kingdom  is  not  of 
this  world."  Br.  S.  H.  Cone  was  moderator,  and  Brn.  D. 
Bellamy  and  Z.  Freeman  were  clerks.  At  this  meeting 
provision  was  made  to  have  all  the  benevolent  objects  of  the 
day  brought  out  fully  before  the  Convention  ;  and  their  re- 
spective claims  were  most  ably  advocated  by  different 
brethren  to  whom  the  task  was  assigned.  The  receipts 
amounted  to  $17,390  18  ;  the  disbursements  to  $15,668  54. 

The  doings  of  the  Board,  and  the  result  of  their  efforts, 
will  appear  from  the  following  extracts  from  their  last  report : 

"  Dear  Brethren — Immediately  after  organizing,  our 
first  business  was  to  devise  ways  and  means  for  securing  the 
requisite  amount  of  funds  to  meet  the  necessities  of  feeble 
churches  and  destitute  regions  in  our  own  immediate  territo- 
ry, and  to  redeem  the  pledge  of  $12,000  so  cheerfully  and 
so  unanimously  given  to  the  American  Baptist  Home  Missioii 
Society.  To  accomplish  this  object,  we  were  unwilling  to 
hazard  the  enterprise  by  trusting  to  that  flow  of  feeling  which 
had  in  so  delightful  a  manner  marked  the  season  of  the  an- 
niversary ;  fully  aware  that  the  time  had  not  yet  arrived, 
when  all  the  members  of  our  churches  would  act  from  the 
principle  that  all  they  have  is  the  Lord's — that  they  are  his 
stewards — and  that  merely  to  hear  that  his  cause  demands  a 
part  of  that  which  he  had  committed  to  their  trust  was  all 
that  would  be  necessary  to  have  them  present  their  offerings, 
until  the  almoners  of  the  needy  should  have  occasion  to  say, 
It  is  enough.  Hence  we  resolved,  so  far  as  it  was  practica- 
ble, to  lay  the  subject  fully  before  the  minds  of  each  of  our 
churches  in  this  State,  and  to  invite  them  to  secure  to  them- 
selves the  luxury  of  being  workers  together  with  God.  To 
attain  this  end,  we  immediately  reappointed  the  former 
General  Agent,  whose  long,  faithful,  and  efficient,  services, 
are  so  visible  in  the  history  of  this  Convention,  and  associa- 
ted with  him  Eld.  Lewis  Leonard,  who  had  been  engaged  to 
good  effect  for  a  part  of  the  last  year  in  visiting  churches 
and  associations. 

"  At  the  last  annual  meeting  of  the  Convention,  a  resolu- 
tion was  unanimously  adopted,  directing  the  Board  to 
remunerate  the  Treasurer  for  the  faithful  discharge  of  his 
onerous  duties  in  that  department.  We,  upon  giving  the 
subject  our  attention,  were  unanimously  of  the  opinion  it  was 


136  BAPTIST   MISSIONARY    COjS'VENTIO??. 

due  that  valuable  officer  to  say^  that,  for  fourteen  years,  he 
had  most  faithfully  discharged  its  responsible  duties,  without 
being  willing  to  accept  a  single  cent  as  a  salary^  and  had  not 
even  withheld  his  hand  from  contributing  with  the  rest  of 
his  brethren.  In  accordance,  therefore^  with  your  direction, 
and  in  view  of  the  increasing  business  and  consequent  re- 
sponsibility of  the  office,  we  resolved  unanimously  to  give 
the  Treasurer  an  order  for  $100  for  services  the  year  then 
past,  and  to  appropriate  8100  as  a  salary  for  the  year  which 
is  now  terminated. 

"  We  have  made  appropriations  to  forty -four  churches  in 
twenty -seven  different  counties  in  this  State,  and  to  one 
church  in  the  State  of  New  Jersey ;  the  whole  embracing 
thirty -eight  years  of  pastoral  labor.  We  have  also  com-^ 
missioned  fifteen  missionaries,,  ten  of  vrhom  were  to  labor  in 
this  State,  and  five  in  northern  Pennsylvania^  amounting  to 
nine  years  and  forty-nine  weeks  ;  thus  making  an  aggregate 
of  forty-eight  years,  save  three  weeks,  of  ministerial  labor 
provided  for  by  the  appropriations  and  appointments  made 
during  the  past  year, 

"  Result  of  Lahor — In  prosecuting  the  work  of  faith  and 
the  labor  of  love  assigned  them,  the  constant  aim  of  the 
people  of  God  should  be,  to  do  what  they  can  in  giving  the 
gospel  to  their  fellow -men  who  are  destitute.  The  conver- 
sion of  sinners  i&  the  work  of  God  ;  hence,  if  the  saints  use 
the  means  He  has  required  to  the  extent  of  their  ability, 
they  will  be  commended  of  Him,  though  men  reject  the  gos- 
pel, and  virtually  adjudge  themselves  unworthy  of  everlast- 
ing life,  yf ith  this  view  of  the  subject,  while  engaged  in 
the  missionary  enterprise,  we  should  not  be  disheartened, 
although  the  missionaries  whom  we  employ  do  not  always 
return  bringing  their  sheaves  with  them  ;  nor  should  we 
suppose  our  labor  in  vain  in  the  Lord,  when  churches,  whom 
we  aid  in  sustaining  the  ministry  among  them,  inform  us 
that  they  have  looked  in  vain  for  those  showers  of  grace 
which  are  needed  to  fertilize  and  refresh  the  garden  of  the 
Lord  :  but,^  fixing  our  faith  upon  the  immutable  promise  of 
Him  who  hath  declared,  ^  My  word  shall  not  return  unto  me 
void,  but  shall  accomplish  that  which  I  please,  and  shall 
prosper  in  that  whereunto  I  sent  it,*  and  if  the  vision  tarry, 
wait  for  it ;  for  it  will  come,  and  will  not  tarrv* 


BAPTIST    MISSIONARY    CONVENTION.  137 

"  It  is  generally,  however,  the  case  in  all  missionary  efforts, 
where  no  favorable  results  are  apparent,  the  spirit  sinks  and 
the  hands  hang  down.  If  we  do  not  expect  the  reaper  to 
overtake  the  ploughman,  still  we  want  some  tangible  evidence 
that  the  Lord  approves  our  efforts  and  sanctifies  our  means 
to  build  up  his  cause. 

"  In  reviewing  the  history  of  this  Convention,  we  have 
abundant  reason  to  thank  God  and  take  courage ;  for  from 
the  commencement  of  its  efforts  He  has  given  his  people 
abundant  evidence,  that,  in  this  labor  of  love,  they  were 
workers  together  with  him.  It  is  true,  some  years  have 
been  attended  with  less  signal  displays  than  others ;  yet  the 
Lord  hath  not  left  himself  without  witness.  Such  is  the  case 
at  present :  although  we  have  not,  from  every  part  of  the 
field  committed  to  us,  heard  the  joyful  intelhgence  that  '  there 
is  rejoicing  and  salvation  in  the  tabernacles  of  the  righteous, 
for  the  right  hand  of  the  Lord  is  exalted,  the  right  hand  of 
the  Lord  doeth  valiantly,'  yet  the  pilgrims  have  in  many  in- 
stances  been  refreshed,  wanderers  have  been  reclaimed,  and, 
to  a  limited  extent,  sinners  have  been  converted.  Several 
feeble  churches  have  also  been  increased  in  numbers  and 
strength,  while  in  a  few  places,  where  our  standards  had 
never  before  floated,  they  have  been  planted  under  most  fa- 
vorable circumstances. 

"  From  the  consideration  that  our  appointments  and  ap- 
propriations  are  made  at  our  different  quarterly  meetings, 
and  from  the  fact  that  all  from  whom  reports  are  due  are 
neither  so  punctual  nor  so  definite  as  we  direct  and  desire 
them  to  be,  we  are  generally  unable  to  give  the  precise  amount 
of  labor  performed  under  the  patronage  of  the  Convention. 
Yet  from  reports  that  have  been  received,  it  appears  that 
thirty-three  years  of  pastoral  labor  have  been  performed  in 
forty-two  churches  located  in  twenty-six  different  counties 
in  this  State,  and  one  church  located  in  Newark,  N.  J. 
There  have  also  been  reported  eight  years  and  thirteen  weeks 
of  missionary  labor  performed,  four  years  and  thirteen  weeks 
of  which  was  bestowed  among  the  destitute  in  this  State, 
and  the  residue  in  northern  Pennsylvania.  Thus  making  an 
aggregate  of  forty-one  years  and  forty-three  weeks  of  min- 
isterial  labor  actually  accomplished  the  past  year  through 
the  instrumentality  of  the  Convention. 

12* 


138  SAPTIST   MISSIONARY    CONVENTION'* 

•'  As  the  result  of  these  labors,  three  churches  have  been 
gathered,  who  have  received  the  fellowship  of  duly  organized 
ecclesiastical  councils,  viz.  one  in  Rome,  Bradford  Co.,  Penn., 
one  in  Fort  Plain  &  Canajoharie,  and  one  in  the  village  of 
Constantia,  Oswego  Co,  Three  conferences  have  also  been 
formed,  preparatory  to  their  becoming  distinct  churches  at 
no  distant  day ;  more  than  ten  thousand  different  families 
visited  ;  more  than  ten  thousand  sermons  have  been 
preached ;  and  three  hundred  and  fifty -six,  who,  it  is  fondly 
hoped,  have  been  redeemed  by  the  blood  of  Christ,  have  been 
baptized  according  to  his  example.  The  number  who  have 
been  the  subject  of  a  saving  change  we  must  leave  for  that 
day  when  all  these  labors  will  be  renewed  before  the  throne. 

"  Tonawanda  Station — With  regard  to  the  moral  state  of 
things  at  this  place,  and  particularly  with  respect  to  the 
church,  we  are  happy  to  state  that  there  are  a  nimiber  who 
remain  steadfast,  and  give  cheering  evidence  of  their  adop- 
tion into  the  family  of  God.  They  mourn  over  the  declension 
in  the  church,  the  prevalence  of  wickedness,  and  the  vigor- 
ous efforts  made  by  the  pagan  party  to  maintain  the  religion 
of  their  ancestors.  During  the  last  year  two  have  been 
added  to  the  church  by  baptism,  and  one  has  been  exchi- 
ded.  The  present  number  of  natives  in  the  church  is 
seventeen.  The  whole  number,  including  the  mission-family, 
is  twenty-one.  Public  worship  has  been  maintained  through 
the  veai-,  and  generally  a  considerabi'e  number  of  whites 
attend.  The  school  has  progressed  througii  the  year.  The 
average  number  of  children  taught  would  amount  to  ai  least 
twenty-five  during  the  cold  season.  There  have  generally 
been  about  forty  who  have  attended. 

"  Conclusion— T\ms  we  have  presented  before  you  the 
amount  and  the  results  of  our  benevolent  efforts  in  the  de- 
partment of  domestic  missions  ;  and  although  it  falls  short 
of  what  we  in  the  fullness  of  our  souls  anticipated  at  the  last 
anniversaiy,  yet,  in  view  of  the  difficulties  already  named,  with 
which  we  were  met  at  the  commencement  of  our  labors,  we  are 
constrained  to  thank  God  and  take  courage.  For,  considering 
OUT  reduced  numbers,  and  i\-ie  truly  noble  specimens  of  benevo- 
lence exhibited  in  the  subscriptions  and  donations  to  the  A.  &  F<^ 
Bible  Society,  we  believe  we  can  unhesitatingly  say,  that  the 
spirit  of  benevolence,,  instead  of  retrograding,  or  remaining  sta« 


BAPTIST  MISSIONARY  CONVENTION.  1 39 

tionary,  is  actually  still  advancing.  Nay,we  confidently  expect 
that  when  the  beneficence  of  the  denomination  in  this  State, 
during  the  past  year,  is  spread  out  in  eternity,  it  will  be  found 
to  have  exceeded  what  was  ever  done  before  ;  and  yet  we  as 
confidently  expect  that  as  the  philosophy  of  benevolence  is 
more  thoroughly  studied,  and  more  correctly  understood,  we 
shall  all  wonder  that  we  have  presumed  to  give  so  little  to 
advance  His  cause  who  gave  himself  for  us. 

"  We  rejoice  to  be  able  to  repeat  the  sentiment,  that  the 
results  of  another  year  show  no  diminution  of  attachment  on 
the  part  of  our  brethren  and  sisters  towards  our  beloved 
Convention  ;  and  in  surrendering  the  trust  you  were  pleased 
to  commit  to  us^  we  most  devoutly  pray  that  its  interests  may 
become  still  more  strongly  cherished,  until  its  labors  are  ter- 
minated amidst  the  long  and  loud  allelujahs.  For  the  kingdoms 
of  this  world  are  become  the  kingdoms  of  our  Lord  and  his 
Christ; 

"  By  order  of  the  Board, 

"  Elon  Galusha,  Pres, 

"John  Sjiitzer,  >S'ec." 

The  following  Board  of  Officers  was  chosen  : 

Elon  Galusha,  President.  Charles  Babcock,  Treasurer. 
John  Smitzer,  Secretary. 

Nathaniel  Kendrick,  Bartholomew  T.  Welch,  Archibald 
Maclay,  Cornelius  P.  Wyckoff,  John  Bowen,  John  Lawton, 
Spencer  H.  Cone,  Oliver  C.  Comstock,  John  R.  Ludlow, 
Jonathan  Going,  Elijah  Herrick,  Jonathan  Olmsted,  Ell 
Stone,  Thomas  Purinton,  Davis  Dimock,  Daniel  Hascall, 
Edward  Kingsford,  Lewis  Leonard,  Charles  G.  Sommers^ 
Aaron  Perkins,  William  Witter,  Benjamin  Sawin,  Nathan 
Peck,  George  Benedict,  William  R.  Williams,  Benjamin  M, 
Hill,  Beriah  N.  Leach,  Elisha  Tucker,  Isaac  Newton,  Henry 
Davis,  Alfred  Bennett,  Norman  Fox,  Joseph  Elliot,  Alexander 
M.  Beebee,  Daniel  Eldredge,  Wm.  B.  Curtis,  Joshua  Fletcher, 
Amasa  Smith,  William  Roe,  Vice-Presidents. 

John  Peck,  S.  B.  Burchard,  Wm.  B.  Brown,  Joshua  A. 
Burke,  Edward  Bright,  Jr.,  William  Colgate,  William  Cobb, 
Alanson  L.  Covell,  Cyrenius  M.  Fuller,  Benjamin  Putnam, 
Joshua  Gilbert,  Seth  Gregory,  Friend  Humphrey,  Ehsha  D. 
HubbelljChancellor  Hartshorn  J*almerTownsend,JohnManrov 


140  BAPTIST    MISSIONARY    CONVENTION. 

Calvin  G.  Carpenter,  Samuel  F.  Phoenix,  Amasa  Sessions, 
Oren  Sage,  Eleazer  Savage,  Albert  G.  Smith,  Ebenezer 
Wakeley,  David  Bellamy,  Pharcelliis  Church,  Richard  Clark, 
James  Nickerson,  William  Arthur,  Philander  Kelsey,  Di- 
rectors. 


STATE    OF     RELIGION 

IN    THE    TERRITORY    EMBRACED    BY    THE    CONVENTION. 

The  following  summary,  drawn  up  from  the  minutes  of 
associations  which  have  been  received,  will  exhibit  the  state 
of  each  at  their  last  session. 

"  The  Berkshire  Association  says,  '  We  have  not  enjoyed, 
to  any  great  extent,  the  outpourings  of  God's  Spirit ;  yet  he 
has  continued  with  us  in  mercy,  and  preserved  us  from  dis- 
sensions  and  schisms.'  The  number  baptized  is  fifty-seven, 
of  which  the  church  of  Tioga  received  thirty-four. 

"  The  Black  River  Association  have  received  but  thirteen 
by  baptism  during  the  year.  They  say,  '  Our  changes  are 
not  indicative  of  a  revival  spirit  in  our  churches ;'  and  yet 
they  add,  '  Some  of  them  have  been  refreshed,  and  some  souls 
have  been,  as  we  trust,  born  into  Christ's  visible  kingdom.' 
They  have  come  up,  with  a  commendable  liberality,  to  bear 
their  proportion  of  labor  in  the  moral  conquest  of  the  world ; 
and  hope  that  ere  long  the  songs  of  salvation  will  be  echoed 
from  one  extremity  to  the  other  of  the  territory  they  occupy. 

"  The  Canisteo  River  Association  was  formed  in  July,  and 
held  their  first  session  in  September.  At  this  meeting  they 
resolved  themselves  into  a  Missionary  Society,  auxiliary  to 
the  Convention.  They  say,  '  The  whole  territory  embraced 
within  the  limits  of  the  Association  is  missionary  ground.' 
In  communicating  their  request  to  be  recognized  as  an  aux- 
iliary, they  express  their  determination  to  cultivate  the  field, 
and  hope  to  be  aided  by  their  brethren  with  their  prayers 
and  alms. 

"  Cataraugus.  This  Association  was  formed  from  churches 
connected  with  the  Holland  Purchase  Association,  in  Feb., 
1836,  and  held  their  first  session  in  June  following.     As 


BAPTIST    MISSIONARY    CONVENTION.  141 

many  of  the  churches  are  the  fruit  of  recent  missionary  labor^ 
they  appear  to  have  felt  the  importance  of  direct  action  on 
the  subject ;  hence,  they  resolved  themselves,  as  soon  as  orga- 
nized into  an  Association,  into  a  Missionary  Society,  and 
resolved  to  attempt  to  raise  at  least  twenty-five  cents  for  every 
member  in  the  Association.  Immediately,  the  delegates  of 
a  number  of  churches  pledged  the  amount  of  the  sum  which 
would  be  due  from  them.  At  their  meeting  in  June,  we  are 
informed  by  the  Agent,  they  presented  $200  as  the  first  fruits 
of  their  distinct  organization,  and  resolved  to  attempt  to  raise 
$300  the  coming  year. 

"  The  Cayuga  Association  report  that  several  of  the  churches 
have  been  much  refreshed  by  the  showers  of  grace  which 
they  have  enjoyed.  As  the  result,  one  hundred  and  five  have 
been  baptized  and  added  to  the  churches.  They  are  deter- 
mined  to  share  with  their  brethren  in  the  labors  necessary  to 
fill  the  earth  with  the  knowledge  of  the  Lord.  Hence,  while 
their  contributions  for  the  foreign  mission,  and  other  benevo- 
lent institutions,  were  more  than  usual,  they  succeeded  in 
making  up  $400  for  the  Convention,  and  resolved  to  attempt 
to  raise,  for  the  same  object,  $500  the  current  year. 

"  Chautauque  Association,  This  body  has  not  been  favored 
with  enlargement  as  in  former  years,  yet  one  hundred  and 
six  are  reported  as  being  added  by  baptism  to  the  churches 
of  which  it  is  composed.  At  the  last  session  a  resolution 
v/as  passed  to  raise  $500  for  domestic  missions,  nearly  all  of 
which  it  is  supposed  will  be  needed  in  the  territory  over  which 
the  Association  extends. 

"  The  Chenango  Association  were  permitted  to  sit  together 
in  an  heavenly  place  at  their  last  anniversary.  '  Many  of  our 
churches,'  they  say,  '  have  been  visited  with  the  reviving 
influences  of  the  Spirit  during  the  year,  while  peace  and 
harmony  generally  pervade  our  borders.'  Although  they 
had  large  additions  the  preceding  year,  yet  they  report  at 
this  session  the  pleasing  fact  that  two  hundred  and  fifty-six 
joyful  souls  had  been  baptized  into  Christ  and  put  on  Christ. 
They  appear  to  be  determined  to  show  their  faith  by  their 
works  ;  hence,  while  they  believe  the  gospel  must  be  preached, 
that  men  may  hear,  and,  hearing,  believe  and  be  baptized, 
they  paid  the  Agent  nearly  $700  for  the  Convention,  their 
pledge  being  but  $500  ;  and  realizing  how  much  blessedness 


142  BAPTIST    MISSIONARY  CONVENTION. 

there  is  in  serving  the  Lord  with  their  substance,  they  resolv- 
ed  to  raise  at  least  8700  the  current  yen.v  for  the  Convention, 

"  Cortland  Association.  This  body,  which  ever  since  its 
organization  has  not  been  behind  the  most  Kberal  in  benefi- 
cence, has  not  retrograded  the  past  year :  nor  has  the  Lord 
left  the  churches  without  the  visits  of  his  grace.  Although 
all  have  not  been  alike  favored,  yet  two  hundred  and  twenty-one 
precious  souls,  who,  having  received  the  word  gladly,  were 
baptized  and  added  to  the  churches,  are  so  many  pledges  of 
his  faithfulness  to  Zion.  Although  the  pledge  to  the  Con- 
vention, 8600,  was  not  quite  redeemed  at  the  time  of  their 
session,  yet  such  is  their  ardor  in  the  home  mission  enterprise, 
that  they  resolved  to  raise  at  least  $700,  and  furnish  the  bal- 
ance of  the  past,  the  current,  year. 

"  Dutchess  Association.  This  division  of  the  sacramental 
host  of  God's  elect,  though  few  in  numbers,  yet  they  possess 
much  of  the  spirit  of  the  Master.  They  resolved  to  raise  at 
least  $400  the  current  year  for  the  cause  of  domestic  mis- 
sions ;  and  as  they  look  upon  the  whitening  fields  around 
them,  they  desire  to  sustain  a  laborer  who  may  be  constant- 
ly occupied  in  thrusting  in  the  gospel  sickle,  and  in  securing 
the  precious  fruits  of  immortality.  They  report  an  addition 
of  sixty-one  to  the  seven  churches  of  which  the  Association 
is  composed. 

"  7%e  Essex  and  Champlain  Associations  were  united  the 
past  year,  and  now  compose  but  one  band.  They  represent 
their  last  session  as  one  of  great  interest.  Their  sympathy 
is  aroused  in  behalf  of  the  sheep  of  Christ  who  are  sparsely 
scattered  over  the  two  counties  embraced  in  their  limits,  and 
they  raised  8100  to  aid  the  Convention  in  its  labors  of  love. 
Several  of  the  churches  have  been  much  increased  in  num- 
bers and  strength.  The  whole  number  baptized  is  one  hun- 
dred and  fifty-nine. 

"  FranMin.  This  Association,  for  a  number  of  years  past, 
have  mourned  at  their  anniversaries,  because  the  epistles  from 
the  churches  have  so  generally  been  in  the  language  of  sad-' 
ness.  But  at  the  last  session  a  different  aspect  appeared 
upon  the  face  of  many  of  the  communications,  announcing 
the  pleasing  fact  that  the  Lord  had  made  the  place  of  his  feet 
glorious  in  the  midst  of  them,  causing  their  fellow-men  to  bow 
at  his  throne,  and  to  find  mercy.     They  fondly  hope  they 


BAPTIST   MISSIONARY    CONVENTION.  143 

may  see  greater  victories  achieved,  by  Zion's  King,  than 
have  yet  appeared.  The  Association  reports  an  addition  of 
seventy-seven  by  baptism.  They  have  ever  been  a  most 
efficient  auxiUary  of  the  Convention,  and  are  determined  not 
to  relax  their  efforts  until  the  triumphs  of  the  cross  have 
become  universal. 

"  The  Genesee  Association.  This  body,  though  less  favored 
with  revivals  the  past  than  during  some  former  years,  were 
not  left  entirely  without  witness.  They  report  an  addition 
by  baptism  of  forty-three.  They  enter  into  the  work  of  bene- 
volence with  a  good  degree  of  zeal,  and,  in  view  of  the 
expanding  fields  before  them,  have  resolved  to  increase  the 
amount  of  their  contributions. 

"  The  Genesee  River  Association  report  an  addition  of  one 
hundred  and  thirty  who  have  believed  in  the  Lord  Jesus  with 
all  their  hearts,  and  have  been  baptized.  They  are  unwilling 
to  be  deprived  of  the  privilege  of  mingling  their  labors  and 
sacrifices  for  the  salvation  of  their  fellow-men ;  hence  they 
say,  with  reference  to  the  Convention,  '  We  will  cheerfully 
co-operate  with  our  brethren  thus  devotedly  engaged ;  and 
will,  by  the  blessing  of  God,  raise  this  year  the  sum  of  $300 
for  the  accomplishment  of  those  most  desirable  objects  they 
have  in  view.' 

"  The  Holland  Purchase  Association  has  been  somewhat 
diminished  in  the  number  of  its  churches,  by  the  formation 
of  the  Cataraugus  Association,  The  event  was  effected  with 
much  harmony,  and  the  kindest  of  feeling,  the  better  to 
accommodate  the  churches  and  promote  the  general  interests 
of  the  cause.  The  last  session  of  this  body  was  one  of  most 
thrilling  interest,  and  the  exhibitions  of  a  spirit  of  enlarged 
benevolence  were  most  delightfully  apparent.  Although  the 
pledges  given  by  the  churches  were  not  all  made  out  at  the 
time,  yet  it  is  hoped  the  residue  is  forthcoming.  It  was, 
however,  in  favor  of  the  American  &  Foreign  Bible  Society 
that  the  most  thrilling  interest  was  excited  ;  for,  after  a  ser- 
mon upon  the  subject,  more  than  81000  was  subscribed  on 
the  spot  by  the  delegates,  as  a  kind  of  nucleus,  around  which 
the  donations  of  the  churches  will  be  gathered,  and  in  due 
time  be  forwarded  to  the  proper  treasury.  They  report  an 
addition  of  two  hundred  and  eight  by  baptism,  and  resolved  to 
raise  at  least  8500  for  the  Convention  the  current  year. 


144  BAPTIST    MISSIONARY    CONVENTION^ 

"  Hudson  River  Association.  The  Lord  has  made  his  arm 
bare  in  the  view  of  several  of  the  churches  of  this  Associa- 
lion.  The  First  church  in  Troy,  and  the  Broome  street 
(New  York)  church,  each  received  one  hundred  by  baptism  ; 
several  other  churches  in  the  city  were  much  refreshed  and 
enlarged,  while  the  churches  on  the  majestic  river,  whose 
name  they  bear,  have  not  been  left  without  a  witness. 
These  pledges  of  God's  faithfulness  have  enabled  the  Asso- 
ciation to  report  the  delightful  fact  that  six  hundred  and 
sixty-four  praying  souls  have  been  brought  into  their  fellow- 
ship as  workers  together  with  God.  They  are  determined 
still  to  hold  that  prominence  among  the  auxiliaries  of  the 
Convention  to  which  they  have  attained  ;  and  as  a  token  of 
their  unbroken  confidence  in  the  plans  of  that  body,  they 
have  resolved  to  raise  at  least  81500  the  current  year  to  re- 
plenish the  treasury. 

"  The  Limngston  Association  say,  '  We  are  a  feeble  body, 
numbering  only  eight  churches  and  four  hundred  and  eighty- 
eight  communicants.'  During  the  past  year  they  have  em. 
ployed  and  paid  a  missionary,  who  has  labored  under  their 
direction  for  three  months  :  besides  which  they  have  aided 
the  funds  of  the  Convention  and  of  foreign  missions.  Ac- 
cording  to  their  numbers,  they  appear  to  be  fully  determined 
to  assume  their  share  in  the  toils  and  sacrifices  necessary  to 
the  moral  conquest  of  the  world.  They  report  nine  baptized, 
and  say,  '  Our  prospects  are  encouraging ;  our  present 
session  has  been  very  pleasant.' 

"  The  Madison  Association  enjoyed  a  most  lovely  season 
at  their  last  session ;  the  exercise  of  the  kindest  fraternal 
feeling  pervaded  all  their  deliberations  and  decisions,  and  the 
liberality  of  the  churches  furnished  more  than  the  amount 
pledged  to  the  Convention.  They  report  an  addition  of  two 
hundred  and  seventeen  joyful  believers,  among  whom  was 
one  nearly  ninty-two  years  old.  In  their  corresponding  let- 
ter they  say,  '  Several  of  our  churches  have  been  favored 
with  precious  revivals,  while  nearly  all  have  received  the 
tokens  of  Divine  favor.'  Notwithstanding  the  large  number 
baptized,  yet,  in  consequence  of  the  multitude  who  have  emi- 
grated to  the  west,  the  total  number  has  been  reduced  nearly 
one  hundred.  Hence,  in  fixing  the  amount  of  their  pledge, 
they  have  named  a  like  sum  to  that  raised  the  past  year — » 
$800. 


BAPTIST   MISSIONARY  CONVENTION,  145 

*'  Monroe  Association— ^This  band  of  disciples  were  permit- 
ted tlie  privilege  of  sitting  together  in  an  heavenly  place  in 
Christ  Jesus  during  their  last  session.  A  peculiar  harmony 
pervaded  their  councils  and  decisions,  while  the  pleasing  fact 
that  two  hundred  and  nineteen  praying  souls,  who  had  been 
baptized  into  Christ  and  put  on  Christ,  were  added  to  their 
number,  was  hailed  as  a  pledge  that  the  Lord  still  remember- 
ed Zion.  Although  they  were  disappointed  in  not  furnishing 
all  the  means  to  aid  the  Convention  they  had  designed,  yet 
they  paid  nearly  $500,  and  resolved  to  raise  at  least  $900 
for  the  coming  year. 

"  The  New  York  Association,  although  not  directly  an  aux* 
iliary,  are  nevertheless  engaged,  to  a  very  interesting  extent, 
in  the  same  blessed  work.  They  have  aided  a  number  of 
feeble  churches  belonging  to  the  Association,  located  on  Long 
Island,  and  in  New  Jersey,  with  one  at  Newburgh.  In  these 
labors  of  love  they  have  expended  $650,  and  have  furnished 
$100  for  Indian  reform.  They  report  the  pleasing  fact  that 
two  hundred  and  forty-seven  have  been  added  to  the  churches 
by  baptism,  and  evince  their  determination  to  participate  in 
the  labor  of  sustaining  all  the  good  works  of  the  day. 

"  Niagara  Association,  This  portion  of  the  sacramental 
host,  though  not  permitted  to  exult  in  the  victories  of  grace 
achieved  among  them  as  in  former  years,  yet  they  are  deter- 
mined to  hold  on  their  way,  do  their  duty,  and  pray  God  to 
give  the  increase.  They  recommend  to  the  churches  they 
represent,  to  aid  the  funds  of  the  Convention,  not  only  at 
the  rate  heretofore  recommended,  but  with  a  liberal  increase 
of  the  bounty.  They  report  an  addition  of  sixty  by  baptism ; 
and  as  the  Association  extends  over  two  counties,  they  re- 
commend the  formation  of  a  Bible  society  in  each  county, 
auxiliary  to  the  <  American  &;  Foreign  Bible  Society.* 

"  The  Oneida  Association  report  one  hundred  and  thirty- 
four  baptized  ;  in  their  corresponding  letter,  however,  they 
say,  *  Two  or  three  churches  only  have  enjoyed  refreshings, 
and  on  some  others  a  few  mercy -drops  have  fallen,  while  the 
majority  have  remained  quite  stationary.  There  is  good 
reason  for  this :  less  has  been  done  in  the  churches  for  the 
salvation  of  sinners  the  year  past,  than  in  former  years,  and 
the  result  is  accordingly.  Although,  when  the  liberalities  of 
13 


14'6  BAPTIST    MISSIONARY  CONVENTION. 

the  churches  were  counted,  it  was  found  that  the  pledge  of 
last  year  was  not  redeemed,  yet  the  delegates  more  than  made 
up  the  defficiency  on  the  spot* 

"  Onondaga  Association.  The  report  of  this  Association^ 
though  less  fraught  with  incidents  expressive  of  the  victories 
of  Zion's  King  than  at  some  other  sessions,  is  nevertheless 
most  interesting  in  its  details,  as  it  exhibits  those  traits  of 
Christian  character  which  tend  to  promote  the  glory  of  God,. 
They  have  not,  however,  been  passed  by  of  the  Master  in 
the  dispensing  of  his  favors,  for  they  report  fifty-four  baptized 
and  added  to  the  church  the  past  year.  And  while  they  are 
favored  in  the  providence  of  God,  with  an  amount  of  means 
equal  to  any  other  Association  in  central  New  York,  they 
have  determined  not  to  be  behind  their  brethren  in  sustain- 
ing  the  cause  of  benevolence.  They  promptly  redeemed  the 
pledge  they  gave  to  the  Convention  last  year,  and  resolved 
to  attempt  to  raise  at  least  $600  the  current  year,  while  the 
claims  of  kindred  institutions  are  responded  to  with  a  be- 
coming liberality. 

"  Ontario  Association  has  been  much  refreshed  the  past  year.^ 
Several  of  the  churches  have  enjoyed  the  visits  of  21ion's 
King,  who  has  multiplied  the  victories  of  his  grace  among 
them.  Tliey  report  an  addition  of  one  hundred  and  twenty- 
six  joyful  converts,  who,,  having  believed  through  grace,  have 
been  baptized.  They  feel  themselves  enlisted  in  every  en- 
terprise  which  is,  designed  to  fill  the  earth  with  the  knowl- 
edge and  the  glory  of  the  Lord. 

"  The  Oswego  Association^  although  of  but  four  years'  stand- 
ing, are  nevertheless  desirous  to  assume  their  full  share  of 
responsibility  in  carrying  out  the  great  commission  to  disciple 
the  nations*  Their  recent  session  was  one  of  great  harmony,- 
and  was  attended  with  marked  expressions  of  the  presence 
of  the  Lord.  They  have  resolved  to  sustain  a  missionary  m 
the  county,  and  are  persuaded  that  an  additional  laborer 
would  find  much  land  which  can  not  by  the  one  employed 
be  cultivated.  The  past  year  has  not  been  to  them  like  some 
which  preceded  it,  when  each  of  the  reapers  brought  his 
sheaves  with  him ;  yet  they  hope  the  good  seed  has  taken 
root,  and  will  soon  invite  the  reaper's  sickle.  They  report 
an  addition  of  eighteen  by  baptism. 

"  Otsego  Association.    In  their  corresponding  letter  they  say,- 


BAPTIST    MISSIONARY  CONVE3\TION-.  147 

*The  present  session  of  the  Association  has  been  one  of  great 
harmony  and  Christian  affection.  Several  of  the  churches 
have  during  the  year  enjoyed  seasons  of  refreshing  from  the 
presence  of  the  Lord,  and  the  interest  felt  in  the  benevolent 
operations  of  the  day  exceeds  what  lias  ever  before  appeared.' 
They  report  the  baptism  of  two  hundred  and  fifteen,  to  whom 
the  Lord  has  granted  repentance  unto  life — the  redemption 
of  the  pledge  of  8500  given  the  Convention  the  last  year, 
with  an  additional  sum,  $120 — and  the  recommendation  to 
the  churches  to  raise  at  least  ^600  to  aid  the  cause  of  home 
missions  the  current  year.  This  is  the  oldest  Association 
in  western  New  York,  and  they  appear  desirous  of  setting 
an  example  worthy  to  be  imitated  by  the  rest. 

"  RensselaervUle  Associaticm  are  still  deteraiined  to  hold  up 
the  light  of  life,  and  to  contribute  th^ir  prayers  and  alms  for 
the  conversion  of  the  world.  During  the  past  year  the  Lord 
has  appeared  in  the  midst  of  several  churches,  and  enabled 
them  to  exult  in  the  victeries  of  his  grace.  They  report 
one  hundred  and  fifty-seven  lovely  disciples,  who,  having  gladly 
received  the  word,  were  baptized  and  added  to  the  churches* 

"  The  Saratoga  Association,  although  they  have  suffered  a 
diminution  of  nearly  two  hundred,  and  have  parted  with 
several  valuable  ministering  brethren,  most  of  whom  have 
emigrated  to  the  far  west,  yet  they  are  determined  not  to  be 
discouraged  ;  fully  oonfident  that  the  cause  is  the  Lord's  and 
he  will  not  suffer  it  to  fail.  A  few  of  the  churches  have  re- 
ceived a  visit  from  the  King  of  saints,  who  made  the  place 
of  his  feet  glorious  in  their  midst.  The  whole  number  bap- 
tized  in  the  Association  is  one  hundred  and  eleven.  They 
furnish  about  $400  for  the  Convention,  and  resolved  to  raise 
at  least  $500  the  current  yeai% 

"  The  Seneca  Association  say,  *  At  our  present  session  we 
have  enjoyed  a  season  of  unusual  interest.  We  have  among 
us  some  things  to  deplore  and  some  things  to  approve  :  among 
the  former,  are,  a  want  of  zealous  attention  to  religious 
<luties  and  privileges,  and  to  a  small  extent  an  opposition  to 
benevolent  institutions  ;  among  the  latter,  a  general  stead- 
fastness in  the  faith,  and  an  increased  liberality  in  aiding 
our  benevolent  institutions.'  The  number  baptized  was 
seventy-nine.  They  were  enabled  to  do  more  than  redeem 
iheir  pledge  of  $500  the  past  year,  and  recommended  to  the 


148  BAPTIST    MISSIONARY  CONVENTION. 

churches  to  raise  their  proportion  of  8800  the  current  year. 

"  Steuhen.  This  Association  has  been  somewhat  reduced 
by  the  organization  of  the  Canisteo  River  Association.  They 
say,  '  The  past  has  been  less  a  season  of  harvest  than  of  sow- 
ing the  seed.'  They  report  but  twenty-six  baptized  in  the 
whole  Association.  Though  they  have  not  been  increased 
with  men  as  a  flock,  yet  they  have  not  relaxed  their  efforts 
to  do  good :  upwards  of  $200  were  contributed  by  the  churches 
for  home  missions,  and  with  their  diminished  strength  they 
have  recommended  at  least  8200  for  the  current  year. 

"  The  St.  Lawrence  Association  say,  '  We  are  not  able  to 
cheer  your  hearts  with  information  of  the  general  outpour- 
ings of  God's  Spirit  upon  our  churches  ;  yet  we  rejoice  that 
some  few  mercy-drops  have  fallen  upon  our  thirsty  Zion. 
Our  present  session  has  been  one  of  deep  interest,  harmony, 
and  love.'  They  report  one  hundred  and  twelve  added  to 
the  churches  by  baptism,  and  they  are  resolved  to  engage  in 
every  good  word  and  work. 

"  The  Washington  Union  Association  say,  '  We  have  oc- 
casion to  mourn  and  weep  over  the  languishing  state  of  our 
churches  in  general.  Very  few  have  been  baptized  (forty- 
six)  into  the  fellowship  of  the  churches  composing  this  body, 
within  the  past  year,  while  deaths,  exclusions,  and  emigra- 
tions  to  the  west,  are  rapidly  diminishing  our  numbers.  The 
general  tone  of  piety  is  indeed  low  ;  and  cons-equently  the 
amount  of  benevolent  effort  is  by  far  too  small.'  Yet  they 
add,  '  Still,  we  would  hope  that  the  cause  of  God  has  a  per- 
manent hold  on  the  affections  of  the  members  of  this  Asso- 
ciation.' As  an  evidence  of  their  confidence  in  the  Convention, 
they  resolved  to  make  an  effort  to  raise  8500  the  year  to 
come  to  aid  its  funds. 

"  The  Worcester  Association,  although  less  numerous  than 
some  other  divisions  of  the  sacramental  host  of  God's  elect, 
are,  notwithstanding,  determined  to  assme  their  full  share  of 
responsibility  in  giving  the  gospel  to  the  destitute  wherever 
they  may  be  found.  Their  last  session  was  one  of  thrilling 
interest.  They  redeemed  tlieir  pledge  of  8300,  by  an  extra 
effort,  and  resolved  to  attempt  to  secure  the  tike  sum  from 
the  churches  at  the  next  session.  But  one  of  the  churches 
was  favored  with  a  special  revival  ;  yet  to  several  others  the 
'King  of  Zion  gave  pledges  of  his  love.  They  report  sixty, 
five  baptized  and  added  to  the  Zion  of  God  amonij  them." 


NEW    YORK    BAPTIST    REGISTER. 


In  the  year  1824  a  few  brethren,  residing  in  the  vicinity 
of  Utica,  impressed  with  the  necessity  and  importance  of 
stated  religious  intelligence,  commenced  the  publication  of  a 
small  sheet,  weekly,  entitled  the  "  Baptist  Register."  It 
was  printed  at  Utica,  and  edited  by  Elds.  Galusha  and  Willey. 
The  circulation  was  not  extensive,  but  it  brought  before  the 
public  the  subject  of  periodical  intelligence,  and  prepared  the 
way  for  a  more  enlarged  and  permanent  action.  In  the  fall, 
at  the  annual  meeting,  the  subject  was  proposed,  of  establish- 
ing a  religious  paper,  to  be  under  the  patronage  and 
direction  of  the  Convention.  An  offer  was  made  to  them  of 
the  Baptist  Register  then  published,  and  arrangements  were 
made  to  commence  the  next  year  with  an  enlarged  sheet 
and  a  competent  editor,  who  was  required  to  devote  his  whole 
time  to  make  the  paper,  as  far  as  possible,  adequate  to  the 
wants  of  the  denomination.  An  editor  was  secured  in  the 
person  of  Br.  Alexander  M.  Beebee,  then  residing  in  the 
county  of  Onondaga,  who  removed  to  Utica  with  his  family, 
and  commenced  his  responsible,  and  thus  far  permanent  and 
successful,  labors.  The  mechanical  execution  of  the  paper 
was  under  the  direction  of  Br,  Cephas  Bennett,  who  con. 
tinued  to  print  the  paper  nearly  five  years,  until  convinced 
that  the  Lord  called  him  to  a  foreign  field  of  moral  labor. 
The  first  paper  published  by  the  Convention  was  issued 
March  4,  1825,  and  a  circulation  the  first  year  was  secured 
of  about  2,000.  The  following  extracts  from  the  first  num- 
ber will  show  the  plan  and  general  principles  which  it  was 
designed  to  accomplish  and  extend : 

13* 


150  BAPTIST    3IISSI0NARY  CONVENTION. 

"  To  stir  up  the  minds  of  our  fellow-men  to  the  important 
subject  of  scattering  light  among  the  ignorant  and  benight- 
ed, by  presenting  them  from  time  to  time  with  intelligence 
on  the  subject  of  missions,  at  home  and  abroad,  will  be  part 
of  our  duty.  Indian  reform,  which  we  contemplate  with 
interest,  will  engage  a  portion  of  our  efforts  to  promote. 

"  Though  the  cause  of  missions  is  the  great  object  of  our 
regard,  and  to  promote  this  object  our  energies  and  our  ef- 
forts will  be  directed,  and  our  hearts  pledged,  yet  we  con- 
template in  the  range  of  our  consideration  all  those  kindred 
associations,  combined  for  the  consummation  of  that  single 
object,  so  devoutly  to  be  wished,  the  reflection  of  the  Re- 
deemer's glory  in  the  redemption  of  a  fallen  world. 

"  There  are  other  efforts  put  forth  for  the  healing  of  the 
nations,  to  which  our  attention  will  also  be  directed.  The 
Bible  interest  is  inseparable  from  the  missionary.  They  are 
pioneers  to  each  other.  If  the  missionary  takes  the  lead,  it 
is  but  to  introduce  the  sacred  volume  ;  if  the  Bible  is  on  the 
advance,  it  is  only  to  prepare  the  stranger  to  its  truth  to  ad- 
dress the  missionary  on  his  advent  with  the  anxious  inquiry, 
*  Of  whom  speaketh  the  prophet  this,  of  himself,  or  some 
other  man  V 

"  Sunday-schools,  with  their  flood  of  benefits,  commend 
themselves  to  our  regard.  No  charity  appears  to  have  been 
more  signalized  by  the  blessing  of  Heaven. 

"  The  interests  and  operations  of  our  Institution  at  Ham- 
ilton  are  among  the  important  subjects  to  which  our  regard 
is  pledged. 

"  Our  pages  will  be  occasionally  devoted  to  such  literary 
subjects  as  may  carry  with  them  moral  benefit  to  our  readers. 
Biographical  sketches  of  such  persons  as  may  have  orna- 
mented the  Christian  name,  shall  have  a  place  in  our  columns. 
Such  political  events,  both  at  home  and  abroad,  as  give  dis- 
tinction  to  the  age  in  which  we  live  shall  not  be  omitted. 
The  important  legislative  proceedings  of  our  own  State,  and 
the  Congress  of  the  United  States,  with  such  speeches  as 
may  be  important  to  preserve,  shall  be  given  in  the  Register. 

"  We  present  our  paper  as  an  organ  of  communication  to 
the  public  for  all  our  religious  bodies.     Our  object  will  be  to 


NEW    YORK   BAPTIST   REGISTEK.  151 

make  the  Register  a  profitable,  interesting,  and  cheap,  vehicle 
of  religious  inteUigence,  embracing,  also,  a  portion  of  litera- 
ry and  political  information." 

Various  measures  were  adopted  to  extend  the  benefits  of 
the  paper.  Traveling  agents  were  appointed,  as  well  as  lo- 
cal agents,  with  a  hope  and  full  expectation  that  the  number 
of  subscribers  could  be  increased,  so  that  a  revenue  might 
be  realized  to  the  funds,  as  well  as  to  the  amount  of  infer- 
mation  possessed  by  the  denomination.  It  was  ascertained 
that  no  paper  of  respectable  size  could  be  published,  where 
the  articles  were  to  be  put  in  type  every  week,  and  an  editor 
to  be  compensated,  unless  the  terms  of  subscription  were 
more  than  two  dollars,  or  the  number  of  good  subscribers 
exceeded  3,000,  without  loss  to  those  engaged  in  it.  During 
the  first  year,  therefore,  exertions  were  made  and  economy 
practiced,  in  the  belief  that  the  paper  ought  to  be  sustained 
and  continued. 

In  1827  the  committee  on  the  Register,  (who  were  appoin- 
ted  by  the  Board  of  the  Convention,)  reported  the  number  of 
subscribers  to  be  2,900,  and  a  prospect  that  8500  would  be 
realized  that  year.  The  following  year  a  less  number  of 
subscribers  was  reported,  although  it  was  thought  the  debts 
were  equal  to  the  expenditures. 

After  the  paper  had  been  published  about  five  years,  many 
having  been  quite  negligent  in  their  payments,  and  some 
debts  becoming  very  uncertain,  the  committee  appointed  by 
the  Convention  to  consider  what  measures  could  be  adopted 
to  promote  the  interests  of  the  paper,  believing  that  there 
was  little  hope  of  any  direct  income  to  the  funds  of  the 
Convention,  and  fearing  that  its  debts  would  increase  faster 
than  its  income  would  be  realized,  made  the  following  report : 

"  We  recommend  that  the  Register  be  leased  to  some  suita- 
ble person  or  persons  for  years,  reserving  the  annual 

rent  of  said  paper  to  the  Convention,  and  also  the  control  of 
the  editorial  department.  And  further,  that  a  general  trav- 
eling  agent  be  forthwith  appointed,  for  the  immediate  col- 
lection of  all  the  outstanding  debts  :  and  that  after  such  a 
collection  shall  have  been  made,  if  a  balance  shall  remain 
against  the  paper,  that  then  immediate  steps  be  taken  for 
the  payment  of  such  balance,  by  an  appeal  to  the  liberality 
of  our  brethren." 


152  BAPTIST    3IISSI0NAIIY  CONVENTION. 

The  report  was  adopted,  and  the  standing  committee  direct- 
ed to  carry  out  the  same. 

In  accordance  with  the  above  proceedings,  a  proposition 
was  made  by  Messrs.  Bennett  &  Bright  to  pubHsh  the  paper 
for  five  years.  After  due  consideration,  their  proposition 
was  accepted,  and  in  the  spring  of  1830  the  paper  was  leased 
to  them  for  that  term  of  time ;  the  former  editor  continuing 
as  usual  to  have  the  whole  oversight  and  charge  of  the  edito- 
rial department.  Under  this  arrangement  the  circulation  of 
the  Register  greatly  increased,  payments  were  more  promptly 
secured,  and  the  paper  was  made  to  yield  a  handsome  revenue 
to  the  Convention,  which  for  a  time  was  required  to  liquidate 
the  debts  that  had  occurred  in  the  establishment  of  the  paper, 
and  while  its  circulation  was  more  limited.  It  was  enlarged 
at  the  expense  of  the  publishers,  an  increasing  interest  was 
felt  by  all  acquainted  with  it,  and  its  weekly  arrival  hailed 
by  thousands  with  delight.  The  influence  it  continued  to 
exert  was  highly  salutary  in  the  promotion  of  an  intelligent, 
united  action  iu  the  great  objects  of  foreign  and  domestic 
missions,  Bible,  education,  Sabbath-school,  and  temperance, 
causes ;  in  the  dissemination  of  revival  intelligence,  and 
inculcating  the  principles  of  pure  and  undefiled  religion. 
The  editor  continued  to  retain  and  deserve  the  confidence 
and  support  of  his  brethren,  although  conflicting  questions 
of  great  public  interest  often  produced  difference  of  views 
and  action,  and  awakened  the  slumbering  energies  of  the 
denomination.  This  course,  amidst  the  most  exciting  ques- 
tions, was  approved  by  the  sober  and  considerate  of  all  par- 
ties. None  but  those  engaged  personally  in  the  responsible 
work  of  catering  for  the  public  taste,  and  regulating  the 
public  mind,  can  duly  appreciate  the  feelings,  cares,  and 
trials,  of  a  conscientious  editor. 

In  1833  an  effort  was  made  to  change  the  location  of  the 
paper,  and  remove  it  to  the  city  of  New  York,  and  amalga- 
mate it  with  the  Baptist  Repository  ;  but  after  a  full  and 
open  discussion,  the  project  was  totally  disapproved  and 
abandoned. 

The  following  extract  from  the  report  of  the  Board  of  the 
Convention,  in  the  fall  of  1834,  will  show  the  renewal  of  the 
lease  with  Brn.  Bennett  &  Bright : 


NEW    YORK    BAPTIST    REGISTER.  153 

"  The  New  York  Baptist  Register  is  still  the  property  of 
the  Convention.  The  term  for  which  it  was  leased  to  Brn. 
Bennett  &  Bright  will  expire  next  February.  At  an  early 
period,  a  committee  was  appointed  to  renew  the  lease,  embra- 
cing the  best  intelligence  and  experience  of  the  Board.  The 
paper  is  again  leased  to  the  present  publishers,  for  seven 
years  from  the  commencement  of  the  next  volume.  The 
Convention  will  receive  150  dollars  annually  for  2,500  sub- 
scribers, and  20  cents  in  addition  for  each  subscriber  above 
that  number.  Should  the  number  of  subscribers  be  less  than 
2,500,  a  deduction  is  to  be  made  from  the  150  dollars  of  10 
cents  on  each  of  the  number  wanting.  The  present  number 
of  subscribers  is  5,100,  which  will  bring  to  the  funds  of  the 
Convention  670  dollars.  But  the  revenue  of  Jthe  pre- 
sent volume  and  of  the  next  will  be  demanded  to  cancel 
the  debts  against  the  Register  existing  prior  to  the  first 
lease,  unless  collections  can  be  made  from  the  subscribers  of 
that  period  beyond  what  we  anticipate.  Could  the  number 
of  subscribers  be  increased  to  7,000,  the  income  would  be 
1,050  dollars  per  annum.  With  its  able  and  experienced 
editor,  under  the  care  of  its  approved  and  faithful  publishers, 
in  its  present  enlarged  form,  we  hope  this  vehicle  of  religious 
knowledge  and  information  will  be  cordially  welcomed  into 
every  family  in  the  denomination.  Nearly  all  the  associa- 
tions in  this  State  have  passed  resolutions  of  commendation." 

The  following  year  a  more  full  report  was  made  of  the 
expenses  and  situation  of  the  Register,  which  is  here  given, 
as  it  presents,  in  short,  the  progress  of  the  paper  : 

"  The  debts  contracted  in  commencing  the  paper  have 
long  been  a  prolific  source  of  trouble  and  perplexity  :  various 
means  have  at  different  times  been  devised  for  their  liquida- 
tion, but  they  failed  to  produce  those  results  most  devoutly 
anticipated.  The  executive  committee,  who  for  many  years 
were  in  the  habit  of  advancing  their  own  funds,  and  of  giving 
to  the  paper  the  benefit  of  their  personal  responsibility,  de- 
serve well  the  gratitude  of  their  brethren  ;  and  we  are  con- 
fident it  will  not  be  withheld.  They  have  waited  patiently 
for  their  claims,  and  we  rejoice  to  say  they  are  all  discharged. 

"The  committee  to  whom  the  state  of  the  Register  was 
referred,  submitted  the  following  report : 


154  BAPTIST    MISSIONARY    CONVENTION. 

"  '  Your  committee,  in  the  discharge  of  the  duty  assigned 
to  them,  have  ascertained  that  the  Convention,  in  August, 
1832,  were  in  debt,  on  account  of  the  paper,  to  the  amount 
of  82,221  51,  all  of  which  has  been  entirely  discharged; 
and  furthermore,  that  a  balance  will  exist,  in  favor  of  the 
Convention,  in  February,  1836,  of  nearly  -$300.  The  pre- 
sent number  of  subscribers  is  estimated,  in  round  numbers, 
to  be  5,000.  Assuming  the  ground  that  this  number  will 
not  be  diminished  after  February,  1836,  the  Convention  will 
realize  from  it  a  nett  revenue  of  $650  per  annum ;  and 
should  the  subscribers  be  increased  to  6,000,  the  revenue  from 
this  source  will  be  $850 ;  and  an  additional  amount  of  $200 
per  annum,  for  every  thousand  added  to  the  list  of  subscri- 
bers: thus,  whenever  the  list  is  increased  to  10,000,  the 
annual  revenue  resulting  to  the  Convention  will  equal  $1,650- 
From  a  view  of  these  highly  interesting  and  encouraging 
facts,  your  committee  are  induced  to  hope  that  the  proper 
consideration  of  them  will  operate  on  all  who  value  our  mis- 
sionary interests,  so  as  to  stimulate  them  to  immediate  and 
persevering  efforts  to  obtain  additional  subscribers  to  the 
Register,  until  the  number  shall  equal  our  most  sanguine 
expectations!,  and  the  proceeds  from  this  quarter  render  our 
means  of  supplying  the  destitute  with  the  bi  ead  of  life  much 
more  ample.' " 

"  All  the  associations  in  the  State,  who  are  auxiliaries  of 
the  Convention,  have  continued  to  express  their  approbation 
in  its  favor,  and  their  recommendations  to  promote  its  more 
extensive  circulation.  Did  our  limits  allow  it,  we  would 
gladly  spread  their  resolutions  before  you  ;  but  a  single  one, 
which  exhibits  the  spirit  of  all  the  rest,  must  suffice  :  '  i2e- 
solved,  That  we  retain  undiminished  confidence  in  the  New 
York  Baptist  Register,  as  a  periodical  well  calculated  to  pro- 
mote the  Redeemer's  kingdom,  and  we  urge  its  universal 
patronage  by  the  churches  composing  this  body.'  " 

One  more  extract  we  give  from  the  report  of  the  Board 
for  1836,  as  it  presents  a  view  of  the  benefit  resulting  from 
such  a  paper,  its  bearing  upon  our  denomination,  and  its  influ- 
ence in  the  extension  of  Christ's  kingdom  in  the  world  : 

"This  valuable  periodical  continues  to  be  the  property  of 
the  Convention,  and  is  constantly  accomplishing,  to  a  most 
interesting  extent,  the  two-fold  services  of  a  missionary  and 


NEW  YORK    BAP  TIST   REGISTER.  155 

agent.  As  a  missionary,  it  presents  the  doctrinal,  the 
prophetical,  the  experimental,  and  the  practical,  truths  of  our 
holy  religion  to  its  tens  of  thousands,  in  its  weekly  visits  to 
the  habitations  of  our  brethren  and  fellow-citizens.  By  it 
*  the  violated  law  speaks  forth  its  thunders,'  and  by  it,  '  in 
strains  as  sweet  as  angels  use,  the  gospel  whispers  peace.' 
Its  efficiency  in  arousing  the  dormant  energies  of  the  saints, 
provoking  them  to  love  and  good  works,  has  often  appeared. 
Still  it  is  confidently  believed  that,  in  this  particular,  as  well 
gs  in  its  efforts  to  instruct  the  ignorant,  to  confirm  the 
wavering,  to  reclaim  the  wanderers,  and  to  alarm  the  thought- 
less, its  success  will  only  be  known  in  ''that  day  for  which 
all  other  days  were  made.'  Notwithstanding,  from  what  is 
known,  we  are  fully  aware  that,  without  undervaluing  the 
living  teachers,  we  may  safely  say  we  have  no  more  effi« 
cient  missionary  than  this.  As  an  agent,  its  worth  is  truly 
great  ;  for,  while  it  secures  no  inconsiderable  sum  to  our 
treasury  from  its  own  revenue,  its  exhibitions  of  the  field 
spread  out  before  the  church,  and  of  the  claims  of  God  and 
a  perishing  world  upon  her  prayers  and  alms,  have  often 
untied  the  purse-strings  of  selfishness,  and  caused  the  Lord's 
silver  and  gold,  which  has  been  hoarded  up,  to  be  consecra- 
ted to  the  advancement  of  his  blessed  cause  in  the  world,  and 
to  await  the  calls  of  his  servants  who  are  the  almoners  of 
the  needy.  Its  weekly  arrival  is  hailed  with  interest  by 
multitudes  ;  and  although  it  may  not  adapt  itself  to  the  ca- 
priciousness  of  all,  yet  we  believe  there  is  no  other  religious 
periodical  in  our  country  more  commended  in  its  general 
course,  or  more  sought  after,  than  the  Registerc  The  well- 
earned  reputation  of  its  editor  is  untarnished.  Nor  should 
it  be  forgotten,  that,  from  the  responsibility  of  his  station,  he 
has  a  strong  claim  upon  the  prayers  of  Zion,  that  he  may 
share  largely  in  the  wisdom  that  is  from  above,  and,  thus 
endowed,  be  able  to  fulfill  the  high  expectations  cherished 
regarding  his  labors, 

"The  present  number  of  subscribers  is  5,250.  The 
amount  of  the  rent  paid  by  the  publishers  for  the  past  year 
was  S630.  Should  the  subscription  list  continue  as  it  now 
stands,  the  rent  for  the  present  volume  will  be  $700,  all  of 
which  will  be  devoted  to  missionary  purposes.  We  most 
ardently  desire  every  friend  of  the  Convention  to  remember 


156  BAPTIST    MISSIONARY  CONVENTIOIf. 

that  every  five  new  subscribers  will  put  one  dollar  into  it& 
treasury  ;  and  we  fondly  hope  that  their  regard  for  the  des-- 
titute  will  urge  each  one  to  endeavor  to  secure  at  least  five 
new  subscribers  to  commence  with  the  next  volume." 


CONCLUDING   REMARKS.  151' 


CONCLUDING    REMARKS.^ 


In  reviewing  the  ground  over  which  we  have  passed,  from 
the  first  commencement  of  a  feeble  chm-ch  in  this  then  vast 
wilderness  to  the  present  numerous  great  and  flourishing 
churches  and  associations  of  the  Baptist  order  (to  say  noth- 
ing of  the  multitude  of  other  religious  denominations)  spread 
through  this  extensive  and  richly  cultivated  country  called 
western  New  York,  we  are  led  to  exclaim,  How  wonderful 
are  the  works  of  God  !  The  rising  glories  of  the  Redeemer's 
kingdom  are  calculated  to  inspire  the  pious  soul  with  ecstatic 
pleasure,  and  excite  the  warmest  feelings  of  devotion  and 
gratitude.  In  the  year  1795,  in  all  this  part  of  the  country, 
there  were  only  fifteen  churches,  comprising  five  hundred 
and  seventy-two  members.  Now,  within  the  same  territory, 
there  are  twenty-seven  associations.  There  were  then  only 
seven  ministers  in  all  this  tract  of  the  country,  where  nowj 
(1836,)  from  the  minutes  of  the  associations,  there  are  found 
about  300  ministers,  and  100  Ucentiates.  At  that  time  there 
were  only  three  associations  in  the  State  of  New  York,  viz. 
Shaftsbury,  New  York,  and  Warwick ;  and  several  of  the 
churches  composing  those  bodies  were  located  in  other  States.* 
There  was  then  only  one  small  meeting-house  in  this  great 
wilderness  ;  and  now,  how  numerous  are  the  houses  erected 
for  the  worship  of  God !  The  glittering  spires  appear  in 
view,  and  the  sound  of  the  church-bell  strikes  the  ear,  in 

*  All  the  members  in  the  Baptist  churches  in  the  State  of  New  York 
amounted  only  to  5,263.    Asplund's  Register  for  1794.    But  now  there  are 
in  the  State  35  Associations  ;  651  churches ;  495  ministers ;  64,406  members. 
14 


158  BAPTIST    MISSIONARY    CONVENTION. 

almost  every  direction  in  traversing  this  now  populous  and 
flourishing  region. 

The  few  ministers,  as  well  as  the  few  feeble  and  scattered 
churches,  were  then  very  poor.  But  few  roads,  and  those 
very  bad,  they  had  to  make  their  own  way  through  the  vast 
wild  by  marked  trees,  and  ford  rapid  and  dangerous  streams, 
without  bridges,  surrounded  by  howling  beasts,  and  roaming 
parties  of  Indian  hunters.  The  small  churches  were  unable 
to  afford  them  assistance,  and  there  were  no  missionary 
societies  to  patronize  and  support  them  :  but  love  to  God,  and 
the  souls  of  men,  prompted  them  to  engage  in  the  great  war- 
fare at  their  own  charges  ;  the  hope  of  spiritual  benefit  to 
the  scattered  and  destitute  settlers  induced  them,  unaided  by 
mortals,  (trusting  in  God  alone,)  to  encounter  privations, 
dangers,  and  hardships,  through  mud,  and  mire,  and  storms, 
sometimes  on  horseback  and  sometimes  on  foot ;  sometimes 
overtaken  by  night,  far  from  human  abode,  where  they  were 
compelled  to  remain  in  some  lonely  forest  until  the  slow  re- 
turning  morning  should  illumine  the  desert.  Amidst  t^iese 
labors  and  fatigues  their  hearts  were  frequently  pained  in 
reflecting  upon  the  situation  of  their  families  left  in  a  desti- 
tute condition  at  home  :  their  wives  often  having  the  care 
and  toil  of  all,  both  in  and  out  of  the  house,  and  but  very 
scantily  supplied  with  the  necessaries  of  life.  However,  they 
trusted  in  God,  their  Redeemer,  and  he  sustained  them. 

When  their  husbands  returned  from  these  missionary  ex- 
scursions,  they  recounted  the  goodness  of  God  and  the  displays 
of  his  mercy  which  they  were  permitted- to  witness.  With 
what  mutual  joy  could  they  mingle  their  songs  of  praise  and 
thanksgiving  before  the  mercy-seat !  Here  joy  and  peace 
which  they  were  permitted  to  experience  (perhaps  unknown 
among  the  rich  and  opulent  in  populous  towns  and  villages) 
were  a  rich  reward.  These  were  truly  missionaries  at  their 
own  expense.  They  sowed  the  seed  which  has  been  spring- 
ing up  in  a  rich  harvest,  and,  under  God,  laid  the  foundation 
for  the  increasing  prosperity  and  growing  interest  of  the 
Baptist  churches  in  this  country. 

But,  oh  !  could  they  have  foreseen  what  we  are  permitted 
to  see  and  enjoy — the  widely  extended  fields — the  populous 
towns,  villages,  and  cities — the  turnpikes,  canals,  and  rail- 
roads— the  churches  and  houses  for  worship — ^the  Bible,  tract, 


CONCLUDING   REMARKS.  159 

and  missionary,  societies,  domestic  and  foreign — the  schools, 
academies,  and  colleges — the  Sunday-schools  and  Bible- 
classes — the  extensive  revivals  of  religion — and  the  literary 
and  theological  seminaries, — how  would  the  prospect  have 
caused  their  hearts  to  leap  for  joy  !  Could  the  venerable 
Hosmer  in  vision  have  seen  the  present  condition  of  Hamil- 
ton, where  he  closed  his  useful  labors — could  he  have  seen 
the  noble  structures  on  the  hill  overlooking  the  growing  vil- 
lage, consecrated  to  sacred  literature — could  he  have  seen 
the  number  of  pious  youth,  who,  having  finished  their  courses, 
becoming  pastors  in  the  rising  churches  in  our  own  country, 
some  making  their  way  to  Burmah,  to  China,  to  the  west, 
and  to  different  parts  of  the  globe,  to  proclaim  salvation  in  a 
Savior's  name  to  perishing  millions  of  our  fallen  race — and 
now  more  than  one  hundred  and  seventy  young  men  panting 
for  usefulness,  ardently  pursuing  their  studies  with  a  view  to 
go  forth  heralds  of  the  cross — how  would  it  have  cheered  his 
heart,  animated  his  soul,  and  poured  consolation  on  his  path- 
way to  the  tomb ! 

And  with  what  mingled  feelings  of  delight,  gratitude,  and 
wonder,  may  we  now  look  back  to  the  year  1807,  when  the 
society,  now  bearing  the  name  of  the  "  Baptist  Missionary 
Convention  of  the  State  of  New  York,"  took  its  rise — its 
funds  amounting  to  only  $20,  and  enabled  to  employ  only 
one  missionary  for  eight  weeks  ;  but  now,  (1836,)  the  whole 
amount  reported  in  the  treasury  is  817,390 — employing  and 
sustaining  missionaries,  local,  and  itinerating  among  the 
natives  of  the  wilderness,  to  the  amount  of  more  than  fifty 
years'  labor ;  besides  $10,000  given  to  the  Home  Mission 
Society  for  spreading  the  gospel  in  the  great  Western  Valley 
and  other  parts  of  our  continent. 

We  have  now  brought  the  history  down  to  the  present 
time ;  and  on  reviewing  the  way  through  which  the  Lord 
has  led  his  people,  let  our  hearts  expand  with  holy  thanks- 
giving to  God  ;  and  let  us,  too,  cherish  the  memory  of  those 
laborious,  self-denying,  and  faithful,  pioneers  and  soldiers  of 
the  cross,  whom  God  was  pleased  to  employ  as  honored  in- 
struments in  preparing  the  way  for  the  blessings  and  privi- 
leges which  we  enjoy.  Let  us  bless  and  adore  the  great 
Head  of  the  church,  that,  while  these  venerable  fathers  have 
mostly  been  called  from  their  labors,  he  has  raised  up  others, 


160  BAPTIST    MISSIONARY    CONVENTION. 

on  whom  tlieir  mantles  have  fallen,  to  supply  their  places  m 
Zion,  who  are  valiant  for  the  truth  ;  and  also  disposed  the 
hearts  of  his  children,  both  male  and  female,  to  unite  their 
energies,  their  prayers,  and  their  contributions,  in  aiding  the 
great  and  noble  work ;  while  our  abler  brethren  in  older  parts 
of  the  State,  and  in  the  city  of  New  York,  have  so  liberally 
poured  into  the  treasury  of  the  Lord — swelling  the  tide  of 
glory,  by  bearing  the  news  of  salvation  to  perishing  souls. 
Then,  in  view  of  the  past  blessing  of  God  which  has  attend, 
ed  our  feeble  labors,  we  may  be  encouraged  to  pursue  our 
blessed  work.  Yes  !  let  the  eye  of  our  benevolence  be  placed 
upon  the  destitute  of  the  whole  world  ;  let  us  not  relax  our 
efforts  till  the  standard  of  the  cross  shall  be  planted  on  every 
mountain  and  in  every  valley ;  until  the  peaceful  banner  of 
the  gospel  shall  float  in  every  breeze  and  bless  the  people  of 
every  clime  ;  until  the  people  of  every  nation  shall  say,  "  Lo  ! 
this  is  our  God  ;  we  have  waited  for  him,  and  he  will  save 
us  ;  this  is  the  Lord ;  we  have  waited  for  him ;  we  will  be  glad, 
and  rejoice  in  his  salvation."  "  O  give  thanks  unto  the  Lord, 
for  he  is  good  ;  for  his  mercy  endureth  forever !" 


ASSOCIATIONAL    STATISTICS. 


Among  the  things  interesting  in  reviewing  the  progress  of 
the  church  from  its  incipient  organization  in  a  new  country 
to  a  state  of  prosperous  enlargement,  Is  the  examination  of 
its  statistical  documents— it  was  therefore  thought  that  an 
important  appendage  to  the  foregoing  history  would  be  the 
statistical  table  of  the  associations  which  hereafter  follow. 

There  are  several  churches  in  western  New  York  of  the 
Seventh-Day  and  Free-Will  Baptists,  and  some  unassociated 
Calvinistic  churches,  whose  progress  we  have  not  been  able 
to  trace  with  any  satisfactory  accuracy,  but  whose  present 
condition  we  have  thought  advisable  to  embrace  in  a  summa- 
ry way  in  this  record,  which  we  have  taken  from  the  Trien- 
nial Register  of  I.  M.  Allen,  for  1836. 

The  Free-Will  Baptists  have  in  the  Holland  Purchase  123 
churches,  60  ministers,  15  licentiates,  and  4,059  members. 

The  Seventh-Day  Baptists  have  about  2,600  members  in 
western  New  York,  and  about  20  ministers.  They  have  a 
missionary  society,  and  a  religious  newspaper,  called  the 
Protestant  Sentinel,  published  at  De  Ruyter.  The  following 
are  the  unassociated  Calvinistic  churches  : 

1st  church  of  Utica.  Members  98  ;  ministers  2;  receiv- 
ed by  baptism  in  1837,  9.  Eld.  William  H.  Thomas  has  the 
pastoral  care  of  the  church,  and  Eld.  David  Griffith  preach- 
es occasionally. 

2nd  church  in  South  Trenton.  Members  36  ;  ministers 
5,  3  ordained  and  2  licentiates.  Eld.  Joseph  Richards  has 
the  pastoral  care  of  the  church. 

The  regularly  associated  churches,  copied  from  the  origi- 
nal minutes,  are  as  follows  : 

14* 


162 


BAPTIST   MISSIONARY  CONVENTION. 


ASSOCIATIONS    AND     CHURCHES 


N.    B.     Ministers'   names   in   Roman  letters. 
Churches  without  Pastors,  distinguished  by  a 


Licentiates  in  Italics. 


The  figures  preceding  the  name  of  the  Association  designate  the  year  of 
its  constitution,  those  after  it  the  year  when  the  account  was  made  out. 


1823. 


BERKSHIRE   ASSOCIATION. 


1836. 


1.  Berkshire, 
Baker, 

Bingharaton, 
Caroline, 
Centre  Lisle, 
1.  Greene, 

1.  Lisle, 

2.  Lisle, 


Ministers.        Bap.    No. 

J.  P.  Call, 
Caleb  Hayes, 


A.  Sherwood, 
J.  J.  Miller, 
J.  R.  Burdiek, 
N.  Church, 
J.  Powers. 


1 

100 

1 

39 

5 

89 

37 

1 

29 

50 

78 

1 

84 

Owego, 
Owego  Creek, 

1.  Spencer, 

2.  Spencer, 
Tioga, 
Union, 
Vestal, 
W.Windham, 


MiniEters,         Bap,    Mc, 


C.  Nelson, 
H.  Kelsy, 
M.  Dearborn, 
P.  Taylor, 


C.  G.  Swan, 
Job  Leach, 


106 
55 

85 
67 
101 
32 
39 
23 


16  Churches. 


13  Ministers. 


Total, 


571003 


1808. 


BLACK  RIVER  ASSOCIATION. 


1836. 


1.  Alexandria, 

2.  Alexandria, 
Antwerp, 
Antwerp      & 

Fowler, 
Boonville, 
Champion, 
Copenhagen, 
Leyden, 
Le  Ray, 
Lowville, 
Lowville       & 
Denmark. 


M.  Wilkie, 


A.D.  Freeman 
Geo.  Lysle, 


R.Z.Williamg, 
T.A.AVarner, 
O.  Wilbur, 

P.  Brown, 


45 

29 

43 

36 

I 

70 

92 

124 

132 

9 

168 

1 

89, 

77, 

1.  Lyme, 

2.  Lyme, 
Martinsburgh 
Orleans, 
Perch  River, 
Peninsula, 
Turin   &   W. 

Turin, 
Theresa, 
Watertown, 
Wilna, 
W.  Leyden. 


A.  Little, 


A.  Lawton, 
R.  B.  Ashley 


R.  B.  Ashley, 

M.  Wilkie, 
C.  Clark, 


22  Churches. 


11  Ministers. 


'Total, 


44 
45 
42 
199 
99 
20 

49 

21 

160 

35 

31 


13  1570 


1832. 


CHENANGO    ASSOCIATION. 


1836. 


Painbridge, 
Cincincitus, 
Coventry      & 
Greene, 


A.C.Kingsley 
W.  Wrisht, 


26 


20j 

157 

31 


Otselic, 
Oxford, 

Pitcher, 


W.  Kingsley,  21 
J.  Lawton, 
Luke  Colby.   |  2 


34 

185 

233 


ASSOCIATIONAL    STATISTICS. 


163 


Churches. 

Coventry, 
Central  Green 
2.  Guilford, 
Lincklaen, 
Macdonough, 
Norwicli  Vill. 


N.  Norwich, 

New      Berlin 

Village. 

22  Churches 


DWLitchfield 
S.  Stiles, 
M.  Holroyd, 


J.  Randall, 
J.  S.  Swan, 
R.  Prentiss, 
A.  Lamb, 
A.  Parker, 

D.  Cutler. 


Bap.    No 

149 

59 

126 

58 
28 


347 

148 

69 


Churches.' 

1.  Smithfield, 

2.  Smithfield, 
Smyrna, 
South      New 

Berlin, 
Sherburne, 

1.  Triangle, 

2.  Triangle, 
Oxford         &. 

Greene, 


Bap. 


O.  H.  Reed, 
C.  Record, 
J.   H.   Cham. 

berlain, 
J.  Corwin, 


D.  Leach, 


82 

22 

141 

18 

79 

36 

186 

29 

153 

1 

28 

1 

53 

51 

17  Ministers. 


556  2396 


3  Licentiates. 


1823. 


CHATAUdUE    ASSOCIATION. 


1836. 


Pomfret, 


Mayville, 

2.  Hanover, 

Harmony, 

2.  Stockton, 

Ellery, 

Jamestown, 

Carroll, 

1.  Hanover, 

Busti, 

Randolph, 

Clymer, 

Canadaway, 

Westfield, 

Ashville, 

Portland, 

Cassadaga, 

N.  Harmony, 

Gerry  & 

Charlotte. 


B.  N.  Leach, 
J.  Handy, 
Ira  Corwin, 
D.  Woodbury 
A.  S.  Jones, 
P,  Cross, 
S.  Powers, 
O.  Witherell, 
J.  Wilson, 


J.  Bennet, 
J.C.  Stoddard 
A.  Frank, 
E.  R.  Swain, 


D.  J.  Graves, 

C.  Lahat, 
W.  Winsor, 

D.  Walden, 
W.  Berth, 


J.  Scofield.     1 


227 

164 

159 

136 

135 

91 

85 

78 

71 

70 

69 

63 

140 

58 

58 

58 

58 

56 

55 


38  Churches. 


7'    44 
25  Ministers. 


Dunkirk, 
Silver  Creek, 
North  East  & 
Ripley, 

1.  Stockton, 
Pine  Grove, 
Ellington, 

2.  Ripley, 
Perrysburgh, 
Villenova, 
Leon, 
Napoli, 
Cherry  Creek 
Lottesville, 
Warren, 
French  Creek, 
Sherman, 
Mina, 

1.  Ripley, 
Harbor  Creek, 


O.  Spencer, 


L.  Rathbun, 
J.  Glasier, 
J.  Sawin, 


S.  Clivard, 


A.lansonPease 


Gr.  Sawin, 


44 
44 

54 

44 
44 
41 
40 
37 
34 
44 
82 
23 
21 
23 
33 
30 
10 
44 
36 


106  2545 


2  Licentiates. 


1827. 


CORTLAND    ASSOCIATION. 


Cortlandville, 

Dry  den, 
Freetown, 


N.  Peck, 
Z.  Freeman, 
M.  M.Evarts, 
D.B.  Purinton 


210 


124 


Groton, 
Homer  Vill., 


1836. 

J.  S,  Backus, 
Jas.  Gibbs, 
A.  Bennett, 
J.  W.Taggart 


22 


130 
251 


164 


BAPTIST    MISSIONARY    CONVENTION. 


Cnurche?. 

Lansing       & 

Groton, 
Marathon, 
Milan, 

McLean, 

McGrawville, 

Scott, 

S.SemproniusI 


iMinisters.  Bap.    N 

A.  Caldwell, 


J.  C.  Hulbert^ 
B.  Andrews, 
T.  H.  Green, 

A.  F.  Lewis, 
G.  W.  Dye, 

B.  Capron, 


18  Churches. 


112 

140 
68 
16  Ministers. 


120 


129 

148 

96 


Churches. 

1.  Solon, 

Summerhill, 

Truxton, 


Virgil  Village, 
2.  Solon, 
Lansing       & 
Geneva, 


Eap,  No. 


A.  B.  Jones, 

12 

D.  Corbin, 

5 

T.  Purinton, 

WFPurrinton 

S.  Crandall, 

2 

SC  Ainsicorth 

A.  Draper, 

67 
53 


302 
84 
36 

18 


6  Licentiates. 


221  2177 


1800. 


CAYUGA    ASSOCIATION. 


Auburn, 
Aurelius 

Mentz, 
Conquest, 
Cato, 

Fleming, 

1.  Mentz, 

2.  Mentz, 
Owasco, 


S.  S.  Parr, 

John  Jeffries, 

T.  W.  Colby, 
S.  Knapn, 
J.  C.  Holt, 
S.  M.  Plumb, 
H.  B.  Fuller, 
L.J.Reynolds 
C.  P.WyckofF, 


16 

242 

63 

65 

28 
198 

1 

116 

1 

67 

98 
42 

Scipio, 
Sempronius, 
Sennett, 
Springport, 
United  Scipio, 
Venice  & 

Scipio, 
Victory, 
Ira, 
Jordan, 


1836. 
B.  Ames. 


J.  H.  Dudley, 
S.  Wood, 
A.  Wakley, 

E.  Mosker, 


J.  Dudley, 
E.D.Hubbell, 


54 

89 

191 

49 

47 

149 

90 
71 
75 


17  Churches. 


15  Ministers. 


1  Licentiate.        109  1657 


1835. 


DUTCHESS    ASSOCIATION. 


1836. 


North  East, 
Amenia, 
Dover, 
1.  Fishkill, 


Th's.  Winter, 
L.W.Webster 
P.  Roberts, 
Isaac  Bevan, 


129 

88 
84 
52 


2.  Fishkill, 
Stanford, 
Plea'nt  Valley 


L.  Burch, 


6  Churches. 


5  Ministers, 


54 

104 

41 


61    552 


1835. 

Crow^npoint, 
Essex, 

Elizabetht'wn 
Chazy, 
Norwich, 
Westport, 
'Jay, 


ESSEX    &    CHAMPLAIN    ASSOCIATION. 
2 

29 


1835. 


J.  Gobbet, 
J.  B.  Wikins, 


H.  Clark, 
Wm.  Grant, 


R.  Bryant, 
1 

13  Churches,  6  Ministers 


110 
129 
131 
66 
131 
218 
189 


Keesville, 

Keen, 

Beekmant'wn 

Plattsburgh, 

Mooers, 

Saranac, 


H.  Safford, 
P.  M.  Allen, 


O.  W.  Noxley, 


E  H  Vaughan 
4  Licentiates 


142 
46 
38 
93 
44 
29 


159  1356 


ASSOCIATIONAL   STATISTICS. 


165 


1811. 


FRANKLIN    ASSOCIATION, 


1836. 


Churches. 

Franklin, 
New  Lisbon, 
W.  Meredith, 

1.  Butternuts, 

2.  Butternuts, 
Masonville, 
Sidney, 
Hartwick, 
Milford, 

1.  Guilford, 
Laurens, 
Sidney  & 

Unadilla, 
Deposit, 


Eapi  No; 


Seth  Gregory, 
S.P.Griswold, 


W  T  Boynton 
H.  Robertson, 

D.  B.  Crane, 

N.  Bundy, 
G.  Furguson, 

E.  B.  Sparks, 


D.  B.  Crane, 


S.  Stiles, 
23  Churches. 


12 


110 

159 

86 

50 

126 

142 

52 

136 

152 

64 

68 

68 


176 
Ministers. 


Cliurchcs. 

Harpersfield 

Hamden, 

Oneonta, 

Otsego, 

2.  Franklin, 

E.  Meredith, 

Windsor       & 

Colesville, 
Tompkins. 
Buckingham, 
Colchester, 


Ministers. 

C.  Brinkerhof 
S.  Smith, 
J.  Smith, 


£ap.  No. 

78 


S.  Jones, 


Caleb  Bush, 


21 

93 
81 
38 
59 

102 

51 

47 

141 


64  1956 


1  Licentiate. 


1818. 


GENESEE    ASSOCIATION. 


1836. 


Alden, 
Alexander, 

Attica  Village 
2.  Attica, 
Batavia  Vill., 
Bennington, 


Bethany, 
Batavia  &  E. 

Pembroke 
Byron, 
Covington, 
2.  Darien, 
Elba, 

22  Churches 


J.  Parker, 


J.  W.  Ney, 


I.  Clark, 
E.  Hall, 
i¥.  Colby. 
W.  W.  Smith, 


David  Barret, 


L  J.  Brown, 


J.  South  worth 

13  Ministe 


60 
61 
61 
29 
43 

86 
133 

45 

80 

162 

57 

60 


La  Grange, 

Le  Roy, 
l.Middlebury, 


2.  Middlebury, 

Oakfield, 

Orangeville, 

Perry, 

Stafford, 

York, 

Warsaw, 


Jesse  Eliot, 
J.  D.  Pierce, 

J.  Elliot, 
A.  Baker, 
A.  Crocker, 
M.  Bailey, 


W.  Arthur, 
E.  Curtiss, 
J.  Bennett, 
A.  Ennis, 


5  Licentiates. 


180 
181 


314 
185 
104 

76 
285. 

51 
147 
138 


43  2538 


1828. 


GENESEE    RIVER    ASSOCIATION. 


1836. 


Angelica  Vill. 
West  Almond 
Burns, 
Castile, 

Canadice, 
Canadea       «fc 

Belfast, 
Cuba, 
Gainsville, 
Grove, 


JamesSalmon 
J.  P.  Evans, 


James  Reed 
E.  Kendell, 
A.  Briggs, 

H.  E.  Prosser 


W.  Sawyer, 


44 

72 

12 

102 

51 

185 

4 

29 

39 

3 

70 

59 

28 

Grove  &c  Por 

tage, 
Mt.  Morris, 
Nunda, 
Sparta, 
Strikersville, 
Weathersfield 
Oak  Hill, 

Pike, 

Hume, 


Silus  Morse. 

4 

36 

W.  Lake, 

100 

E.  W.  Clark, 

2 

301 

G.W.Warren, 

2 

72 

E.  Covel, 

19 

118 

J.  Palmer, 

1 

62 

J.  Wilder, 

1 

62 

A.C.Sangster, 

F.  Scot, 

30 

280 

R.  Sabin, 

1 

26 

18  Churches.         12  Ministers* 


4  Licentiates. 


130  1677 


166 


BAPTIST    MISSIONARY    CONVENTION* 


1810. 

Churches. 

Springville, 

Eden, 

Sheldon, 
Hamburg, 

1.  Boston, 

2.  Boston, 
Aurora, 
Sardinia, 
Buffalo, 


21  Churches. 


HOLLAND    PURCHASE    ASSOCIATION. 


1836. 


D.  Searl, 
W.  I.  Crane, 
H.  Fuller, 
A.  Ston^, 

E.  Covell, 


Eap.   No. 


H.  Smith, 
A.  Stone, 
E.  Blakesly, 
A.  Tucker, 
E.  Tucker, 
A.  Chapin, 
J.  Granger, 
W.  Verrinder 
S.  Tucker, 
S.  Webster, 
W.Remington 
13  Ministers 


83 


154 

105 
38 
79 

136 
39 

137 

189 


383 


Churches. 

Collins,  A. 


Java, 
VVaterville, 

1.  Evans, 

2.  Evans, 
Holland, 
Evans  &, 

Hamburgh 
Wales, 
Amherst, 
Arcade, 
Florence      ( 

Golden, 
Strikersville 


Ministers, 

Wells, 
Horton, 
,  Pattison, 
Griffith, 
Freeman, 
Hatch, 


B.  S£ 


Hammond, 
Covell, 


12  Licentiates. 


19 


65 
46 
17 
102 
3.2 
37 

24 

44 
14 
41 

36 

119 


206  173Q 


1815. 

Fo'keepsie, 
Oliver  St.  N.Y. 


HUDSON    RIVER    ASSOCIATION. 


1836. 


Mulberry  st. 

N.Y. 
Mt.  Pleasant, 
Hudson, 


1st  Troy, 

1st  Albany, 
Catskill, 
Hamilton  str. 

Albany, 
South  eh. NY. 
1st  ch.  Brook. 

lyn. 


S.  H.  Cone, 
F.  Wayland, 
Daniel  Hall, 
L.  Davis,  Sen 
Eben.  Loomis 
J.  C.  Murphy, 
E.  Matthews, 
H.  Mattheivs 
J.H.Raymond 

A.  Maclay, 
P.  Van  Dyck. 
C.C.Williams, 
Wm.  Sturges, 
E.  C.  Brown, 
C.WWatrous 

B.  M.  Hill, 
JasM.Haswell 
A.  L.  Covell, 
Sam'l  Wilson 


C.G.Sommers 
L.  Howard, 
Jona.  Going, 
L.  Crawford,  121 


25 


107 


780 

237 
69 


190 

459 

361 

68 

129 

340 


193 


Stanton  stNY 
Lansingburg, 
North  ch.NY. 


West  Troy, 
Zion,   Orange 

Co. 
East  ch.  N.Y. 
Cairo, 

Latingtown, 
WestHillsdale 

2.  ch.  Brook- 

Schenectady, 
Kingston, 
2.chBroome  st 
Westkill    & 
Lexington, 
2.  ch  Newark, 
Athens, 
Broome  stNY 


Geo.  Benedict 


J.  H.  Brouner 
D.  Sampson, 
S.  Barnard, 
John  Hatt, 
F.  S.  Parke, 


J.  Middleton, 
Thos.  Stokes, 
S.  Barrett, 
W.Whitaker, 
M.B.  Tremain 
O.  Winslow, 
J.  Beetham, 


W.  M'Carthy, 
Seth  Paddock, 


J.  H.  Rickett. 
S.  B.  Willis, 
Israel  Robords 


62 


388 
122 


185 
118 

28 
164 

44 
117 

SO 

59 

218 

64 

60 

87 

71 

98 
210 


ASSOCIATIONAL    STATISTICS. 


167 


Churches. 

Amity  si.  N  Y 


Central  chNY 
Coxsackie, 
Saugerties, 
Matte  wan, 
Kinderhook, 


Ministers. 

WRWilliams, 
D.  Williams, 
Aaron  Rand, 
Win.  More, 
John  Binney, 
J.  W.  Greene, 
Alfred  Osgood 


Moses  Field, 


Bap 

.  No. 

18 

164 

16 

51 

4 

93 

1 

41 

12 

4 

25 

Churches. 

1.  Philipstown 
2.Sand  Lake, 

Pearl  st  Alba. 
West  ch  N.Y. 
Hamburgh,  G. 
Jamaica,  L.  I. 
PittstownEch 


Orrin  Dodge, 
E.D.  Townerhl 
B.  T.  Welch,  i  9 
J.  Delaree, 
J.  G.  Oncken 
J.S.C.F.Frey 
S.  Gale,  Jr. 


Bap.   No. 

31 


80 
159 
111 

13 
8 

41 


664  5875 


41  Churches. 


42  Ministers. 


14  Licentiates, 


Adams, 

Belleville, 

Henderson, 
Lorraine, 


1834.  JEFFERSON    ASSOCIATION.  1836. 

J.  N.  Webb, 


J.  Freeman, 
E.  Morgan, 
M.  E.  Cook, 
D.  D.  Read, 
Albert  Wedge 
A.  S.  Gillett, 


9  Churches. 


320 

144 
119 
168 


Mannsville, 
Rodman, 
Smith  ville, 
SRutland, 
Woodville, 


9  Ministers. 


J.  N.  Webb, 
S.  Maltby, 
A.  Buckley, 
D.  H.  Dean,  •: 


1  Licentiate. 


195 
31 

100 


92 
71257 


1831. 


LIVINGSTON   ASSOCIATION. 


East  Avon, 


Richmond, 
Livonia, 
Spring  Water, 


J.  G.  Stearns, 
E.  Stone, 
H.Levenwortk 
T.  Beebe, 


79 

3 

50 

6 

85 

60 

Lakeville, 
Groveland, 
Naples, 
Conhocton, 
2.  Bristol, 


9  Churches. 


5  Ministers. 


1836. 

Ira  Justin, 
Jas.Boardman 


83 
35 
39 
18 
39 


1  Licentiate.      9    488 


1.  Roxbury, 

2.  Roxbury, 

Lexington, 
Blenheim, 
Brome, 
Olive, 


1825.  LEXINGTON    ASSOCIATION.  1835. 

David  Mead, 


Hez.  Pettit, 
Win.  Choat, 


106 

2 

141 

3 

227 

46 

2 

110 

124 

Middletown& 
Roxbury, 

Bavainna, 

Renselaerville 
&  Berne, 


James  Mead, 


E.  Crocker, 
A.  St.  John, 


Wm.  Warren, 
9  Churches.  5  Ministers.  2  Licentiates. 


106 
54 


51 
9    919 


168 


BAPTIST   3IISSI0NARY   CONVENTION. 


1816. 


LAKE    GEORGE    ASSOCIATION. 


1835. 


Athol, 
Bolton, 

Brant  Lake, 
Caldwell  & 
Warrenburgh 

Chester, 

Hague, 


Wm.  Grant, 
J.  B.  Wilkins, 


D.  A.  Cobb, 
H.  Mead, 


Bap.  No. 

59 


143 
42 


13  Churches. 


16 
3 

6  Ministers, 


126 

46 


1 .  Johnsburgh 

2.  Johnsburgh 
Minerva, 

1.  Schroon, 
Queensbury, 

2.  Schroon, 
Ticonderoga, 


Wm.  Fay, 
J.  H.  Barker, 
John  Scofield. 


1  Licentiate. 


Bap.    No.' 

18  180 
16 
150 
69 
31 
28 
35 

41 1006 


1808. 


MADISON    ASSOCIATION. 


1836. 


2.  Brookfild, 
Cazenovia, 


CazenoviaVil 
lage, 


Delphi, 
De  Ruyter, 

1.  Eaton, 

2.  Eaton, 


Fenner, 


John  Peck, 
Jos.  Coley, 
JohnF.  Bishop 
P.  B.  Peck, 
Wm.  Corbin, 
LewisLeonaid 
Wm.  Clark, 
Jas.Nickerson 
Thos.  Houston 
Wm.  Storrs, 


N.  Kendrick, 
John  Smitzer, 
H.  C.  Skinner 
Wm.  M.Pratt, 


19 


175 


331 


251 

169 

100 

90 

190 

143 


17  Churches, 


Georgetown, 
1.  Hamilton, 


2.  Hamilton, 
Lebanon, 

Lenox, 
Madison, 

1.  Nelson, 

2.  Nelson, 
Peterboro' 


D.  G.  Corey, 
Aaron  Perkins 
Dan'l  Hascall 
J.  S.  Bacon, 
G.  W.  Eaton, 
A.  Kingsley, 


Thos.  Jerril, 
J.N.T.Tucker 
Richard  Clark 
R.  Maddock, 
OrinBeckwith 
Benj.  Fuller, 
I.K.Brownson 


27 


108 


334 
52 

155 
155 
100 
76 
144 

161 


217  2754 


23  Ministers. 


4  Licentiates. 


1827. 


MONROE     ASSOCIATION, 


1836. 


Brockport, 


Chili, 
Clarkson, 
Greece, 
Henrietta, 
.HoUey, 


B.  Putnam, 
Henry  Davis, 
Wm.  Everts, 
A.  P.  Mason, 


J.  Woodward, 
P.  Kelsy, 
D.  Brown, 
A.  Hundy, 


2 

168 

1 

42 

23 

62 

8 

124 

1 

80 

169 

Mendon, 
N.  Murray, 
Ogden, 

1.  Parma, 

2.  Parma, 
Penfield, 

N.  Pentield, 


J.  H.  Ricket, 
Daniel  Dye, 
Zenas  Case, 
H.K.Stimson, 
Wm.  Barrett, 
S.  G.  Miner, 
T.  Fuller, 
H.D.  Kenyon, 
Charles  Howe 


26 


11 


173 
77 
124 
100 
109 

205 

157 


ASSOCIATIONAL    STATISTICS. 


169 


Churches, 

i  Ministers. 

Bap 

No. 

Churches. 

Ministers?             BajS 

No. 

Pittsford, 

R.  Penny, 

2 

90 

Sweden, 

0.  D.  Taylor, 

1 

54 

1.  Rochester, 

P.  Church, 
/.  W.  Spoor, 

49 

213 

Sweden        & 
Bergen, 

M.  Coleman, 

4 

82 

2.  Rochester, 

E.  Galusha, 

1.  Walworth, 

J.  Gould, 

28 

82 

E.  Savage, 

38 

216 

Wheatland, 

D.  Eldredge, 

4 

122 

Rush, 

N.  Bentley, 

i 

63 



21  Churcl 

les,         23  Ministers. 

4  Licentiates.                     ^19 

2502 

1790. 


NEW    YORK    ASSOCIATION. 


1836. 


1.  New  York, 

Bethel,  N.  Y. 
Staten  Island, 
Middletown, 
Abissynian, 
New  Rochelle 
North  Beriah 


16  Churc 


W.  Parkinson, 
Abr.  Tallman, 
W.  G.  Miller, 

J.  W.Griffiths, 


D.  Dunbar, 
W.  Biddle, 
J.  Wellslagar, 
T.  Davis, 
les.  12 


5 

334 

14 

326 

2 

69 

3 

90 

1 

378 

22 

37 

394 

Mi 

nisters 

Coram, 

Newtown, 
Ebenezer, 
Greenport, 
Zion  Church, 
Welch, 
Huntington, 
Sixteenth  ch. 
Newburgh, 


L.  G.  Marsh, 


J.P.Raymond, 
Wm.  Harris, 
D.AFlandrow 
D.  Bernard, 
David  Janes, 


35 

28 
69 
61 

90 
80 
21 
93 
29 


94  2169 


2  Licentiates, 


We  have  only  taken  the  churches  of  the  New  York  Association,  which 
lie  in  this  State.  The  whole  number  of  churches  in  this  Association  are 
35  ;  247  were  baptized  ;  total  number  3931, 


1823. 


NIAGARA   ASSOCIATION, 


1836. 


Albion, 

Alabama, 

Bar  re, 

Carleton, 

Gaines, 

Hartland, 

Knowlsville, 

Lockport, 


Lewiston, 
Yates, 


W.  Metcalf, 
H.  Ball, 
A.  Warner, 
J.  Parsons, 
H.  Blood, 


David  Hendee 
R.  Harvey 
T.  F.  Coldicot 
W.  E.  Water. 

bury, 
J.  B.  Allison 
A.  Irons, 


1 

in' 

6 

104 

31 

40 

55 

170 

56 

22 

190 

18 

37 

5 

163 

Gaines  &Mur- 

ray, 
Medina, 
New  Fane, 
Porter, 
Royalton, 
Pendleton, 
Shelby, 
Niagara, 
Somerset, 
Wilson, 
Kempsville, 


20  Churches. 


18  Ministers. 
15 


JW.M'Donold 
J.  Chadwick, 


S.  J.  Olney, 


L.  Andrus, 
S.  Gilbert, 
L.  Andrus, 
R.  L.  Wilson, 


62 

162 
47 
66 
29 
17 

129 
51 
92 
30 
53 


60  1756 


170 


BAPTIST    MISSIONARY    CONVENTION. 


1820. 


ONEIDA    ASSOCIATION. 


1836. 


Churches. 

Annsville, 

Augusta, 

Bridgewater, 

Camden, 

Clinton, 

Deerfield, 

Floyd, 
Florence, 

Paris, 

Rome, 

Sangerfield, 

Siloara, 

23  Churcl 

M:>iis'.ers. 

S.  Bloss,  Jr. 
P.  P.  Brown, 
J.  P.  Simmons 
T.  Martin, 

Bap 

48 
1 

2 

49 

nis 

.   N6. 

92 

114 

115 

14 

66 

58 
139 

53 

191 

212 

181 

94 

ters. 

Churches. 

Steuben, 
Trenton, 
Trenton  Vill. 

Utica, 

Verona, 
Vernon, 

1.  Vienna, 

2.  Vienna, 

1  Westmorel'd 

2  Westmorel'd 
Whitesboro, 

Whitesboro 
branch  at  New- 
Hartford. 

3  Licentia 

Ministers. 

A.  Williams, 
N.  Wattles, 
A.F.Rockwell 
T.  Wilks, 
W.  Dickins, 
D.D.Ransom, 
J.  W.  Gibbs, 

Bap 

3 
10 

9 

13 
34 

No. 

93 
93 
32 

194 

C.  A.  Clark, 
J.  Mallery, 

D.  Alcott, 
Zelora  Eaton, 
James  Rhodes, 

154 

80 
3S 

T.  Martin, 
W.  Pepper, 

C.  P.  Sheldon, 

C.  Read, 

tes.                   1 

37 
50 

237 

C.  Hartshorn, 
G.  Bridge, 

aes.           19  M 

22 
2259 

1795. 


OTSEGO    ASSOCIATION. 


1836. 


1.  Burlington, 

2.  Burlington, 
N.Burlington, 
Brookfield, 
Cooperstown, 
Columbia, 
Edmeston, 
Exeter, 
Fairfield, 
FrankfiDrt, 

Litchfield, 
Little  Falls, 
Morehouse- 
ville, 
Newport, 


W.  M.  Burch, 


D.  Cutler, 
H.  Turner, 
L.  Raymond, 


S.  Taylor, 
R.  T.  Smith, 

B.  Phelps, 
L.  Ransted, 

C.  Pearce, 


D.  Morris, 
David  Pratt, 
A.F.Rockwell 


1 

37 

77 

23 

102 

27 

191 

8 

101 

37 

10 

205 

30 

90 

1 

77 

2 

111 

2 

46 

1 

76 

13 

14 

223 

Norway, 
Otsego, 
Oppenheim, 
Plainfield, 
Pleasant  Val. 
Richfield, 
Russia, 
Springfield, 
Stratfi)rd, 
Salisbury, 
Schuyler, 
Warren, 
W.  Winfield, 
Fort  Plain    Sc 
Canajoharie, 


W.  B.  Curtis, 
Geo.  Holt, 


J.  Wells, 
E.  Miner, 
A.  Smith, 
S.  Hitchcock, 
D.  Robinson 
W.  Hodgson, 
W.  Thomson, 


D.  Putnam, 

S.  Hutchins, 


23  Churches. 


22  Ministers. 


1  Licentiate 


46 

131 

60 

1 

40 

6 

64 

6 

128 
92 

i, 

6 

35 

70 
94 

I, 

4 

97 
112 

14 

61 

6 

106 
20 

2 

15 

2496 

1824. 


ONONDAGA   ASSOCIATION. 


1836. 


Camillus, 

Canton, 

Clay, 
Elbridge, 


A.  Graham, 

2 

47 

T.  Brown, 

L.  Beadle, 

3 

112 

H.  Warner, 

89 

C.  M.  Fuller, 

3 

283 

Fabius, 

1.  Lysander, 

2.  Lysander, 
Fayetteville, 


O.  Montague, 
Or  en  Judd, 


Peter  Witt, 
WHutchinson 


272 
55 
91 

123 


ASSOCIATIONAL    STATISTICS. 


171 


Churches. 

IMinisters.           Bap. 

No. 

Churches. 

Ministers.           Bap. 

No. 

Manlius        & 
Sullivan, 

Allen  Breed, 

35 

Onondaga 
Hill, 

D.D  .Chitten- 
den, 

44 

Pompey  Cen. 

H,  Jones, 

48 

Syracuse, 

S.  Wilkins, 

1 

204 

Manlius  Squa. 

D.  Bellamy, 

16 

198 

Tully, 

I.  Bellows, 

Marcellus, 

B.W.  Capron, 

—  Everts, 

14 

186 

John  Johns, 

192 

Lafayette, 

R.  Streeter, 

1 

40 

1.  Onondaga, 

Cicero, 

N.Farnswerth 

83 

J.  Holloday, 

1 

49 

2.  Onondaga, 

S.  Gardner, 

1 

86 

■ 



19  Churcl 

les.           16  Ministers. 

6  Licentiates. 

57  2137 

1813. 


ONTARIO    ASSOCIATION. 


1836. 


1.  Benton, 
1.  Bristol, 

W.  Bloomfield 

Bristol  &  Na- 
ples, 
l.Canandaig'a 

Canandaigua 

Village, 
Geneva, 

Hopewell, 
Gorham, 


John  GofF, 
S.  Goodale, 
P.  Sabin, 
H.  Monger, 


A.  Thorp, 
J.  Hally, 

M.  Allen, 

U.  B.  Miller, 
J.  Sears, 
A.  W.  Howes, 
E.  Haskell, 
W.  Witter, 
A.  Haskell, 


18  Churches. 


1 

95 

77 
64 

22 

2 

59 

36 

100 

1 

113 
31 

1 

96 

Italy,  IW.  More, 

Junius  &  Tyre  iV.  Baker, 
Manchester,     N.  Barrell, 
Middlesex    &.| 
Gorham, 


C.  Bateman, 


1.  Phelps, 

2.  Phelps, 

3.  Phelps, 
Macedon, 

Seneca  Falls, 


H.  Shute,  Jr. 
Wm.  Roe, 
C.  Rice, 
P.  Turk, 
P.  Spear. 


44 

73 

175 

91 

151 
91 
72 

159 

80 


123  1593 


17  Ministers. 


5  Licentiates. 


1832. 


OSWEGO    ASSOCIATION. 


1836. 


Colosse, 

C.  Marshall, 

161 

2.  Palermo, 

A.  Keith, 

10 

38 

Hannibal, 

P.  Woodin, 

Phoenixville, 

N.  Camp, 

1 

52 

D.McFarland 

2 

257 

Pulaski, 

C.  B.  Taylor, 

2 

89 

Hastings, 

S.  D.  Dean, 

2 

68 

Parish, 

D.  Martin, 

30 

Mexico, 

W.  Frary, 

109 

Richland, 

E.  Burdick, 

1 

84 

New  Haven, 

W.  Frary, 

72 

Sandy  Creek, 

62 

Orwell, 

43 

Volney, 

39 

Oswego, 

J.  Waterman, 
J.  Hollinbeck, 
C.W.Denison, 

237 

18  1339 

14  Churc 

les.   .       11  M 

mii 

3ters. 

2  Licentia 

tes. 

172 


BAPTIST    MISSIONARY    CONVENTION. 


1789. 


KENSSELAERVILLE    ASSOCIATION. 


1636. 


3ap,    No. 


;  Ministers,  Bap.    No. 


Rensselaer  & 

Berne, 
Renssel'ville, 
1.  Westerlo, 
Greenville, 
S.  Westerlo, 
Berne  &-Knox 


R.  Wingar,  Jr. 

S.  Paddock, 
D.  Corwin, 
WM.Doolittle 
R,  Wingar,  Jr. 


51 

95 

25 

184 

22 

131 

5 

38 

70 

Duanesburgh 

&  Florida, 
Charleston, 
2.  Schoharie, 
N.  Baltimore, 
Durham, 
Middleburgh, 


C.  Herrick, 

E.  Herrick, 
S.  Hare, 


H.  Hervey, 


83 

144 

102 

60 

62 

37 


12  Churches. 


8  Ministers. 


157  1057 


1804. 


SARATOGA    ASSOCIATION. 


1836. 


Amsterdam, 
Am-iesville, 
Ballston  Spa, 

Broadalbin, 

Burnt  Hills, 
Clifton  Park, 

Corinth, 
Edinburg, 

1.  Galway, 

2.  Galway, 
1.  Greenfield, 


J.I.Whitman, 

3 

71- 

A.  B.  Earl, 

2 

26 

C.  B.  Keyes, 

G.  Roe, 

2 

219 
271 

S.  Shorten, 

G.  W.  Harris, 

190 

A.  Peck, 

S.  Poraeroy, 

3 

131 

H.  H.  HafF, 

1 
3 

95 

84 

D.  Corey, 

M.  L.  Fuller, 

T.  Day, 

3 

60 

J.S.M'Collom, 

13 

229 

H.  H.  Haff, 

78 

2.  Greenfield, 

Halfmoon, 

Milton, 

Moreau, 
Northampton, 

Providence, 
Saratoga 

Springs, 
Schuylerville, 

Stillwater, 


A.  H.  Palmer,  34 
T.  Powell, 
J.  V.  Ambler, 
H.  Slade, 
A.  Seamans, 
W.  Groom, 
E.  P.  Dye, 

J.  Fletcher, 


J.W.Olmsted, 
J.  Wescot, 
5-.  Wright, 
E.  Wescot, 
E.B.  Cran(lalll2i 


46 
223 

192 
35 

170 
112 

182 


142 


180 


20  Churches. 


16  Ministers. 


9  Licentiates. 


1112736 


1832. 


SENECA   ASSOCIATION. 


1836. 


Big  Flatt, 

Catlin, 

Covert, 

Elmira, 

Enfield, 

Factorpille, 

Farmerville, 

1.  Hector, 

2.  Hector, 

3.  Hector, 

4.  Hector, 


A.  Jackson, 

4 

92 

TSSheardown 

183 

R.  Woolsey, 

2 

139 

A.  Jackson, 

3 

103 

J.  F.  Stark, 

79 

H.  Ball, 

11 

49 

B.  S.  Clay, 

8 

100 

B.  R.  Swick, 

4 

102 

E.  Kimbal, 

7 

90 
23 

R.  G.  Lewis, 

72 

Ithaca, 
Lodi^ 
Newfield, 
Ovid, 

Painted  Post: 
Reading, 
Romulus, 
Southport     <S 

Elmira, 
Tioga, 
Ulysses, 


C  G.Carpenter 
C.  Deland, 
A.  R.  Beach, 
W.  G.  Wisner 
J.  Doty, 
TSSheardown 
N.  Otis, 

1 
] 

1 
4 

27 
3 

H.  C.  Vogell, 

3 

W.  S.  Smith, 
P.  Shed, 

230 
71 

46 

77 

40 

101 

109 

101 

61 

284 


21  Churches. 


19  Ministers 


79  2123 


ASSOCIATIONAL    STATISTICS. 


173 


1831. 


STEPHENTOWN   ASSOCIATION. 


1836. 


Churches, 

Austerlitz, 
Berlin, 

1.  Canaan, 

2.  Canaan, 
Chatham, 
Egreraont, 

Grafton, 

Hancock, 


H.  Spencer, 
J.  D.  Rogers, 


H.  Palmer, 
J.  S.  GifFord, 
H.  Ellis, 
A.  Talmadge, 
N.  Lewis, 
Amos  West, 
J.  D.  Rogers 


p.   No, 

66 

162 

92 

64 

47 

83 

90 

88 


Hillsdale, 
Lebanon, 

1.  Nassau, 

2.  Nassau, 
N.  Adams, 
Petersburgh, 

1.  Sand  Lake, 
Stephentown, 


Ministers. 

H.  Spencer, 
M.  Jones, 
M.  House, 
P.  Betts, 
L.  Covell, 


G.  C.  Tripp, 
E.  Baker, 
M.  Jones, 


Bap.  No. 

102 
71 

123 
52 

153 


75 

58 
193 


16  Churches. 


14  Ministers.  2  Licentiates. 


281519 


1812. 


ST.    LAWRENCE    ASSOCIATION. 


1836. 


Bombay, 
Brandon, 

Constable, 

Chateguay, 

Canton, 

Dirkinson, 

Edwards, 

Ft.  Covington 

Fowler, 

Gouveneur, 

Hopkinton, 

Hermon, 

Louisville, 

Lawrence, 


J.C.Stoughton 


GCWoodward 


E.  Smith, 
H.  Green, 

N.  Martin, 


H.  B.  Dodge, 
G.  Brand, 
C.  Havens, 

S.  Pratt, 


J.W,Williams 


1 

53 

19 

24 

54 

3 

84 

23 

27 

17 

208 

40 

13 

200 

140 

26 

23 

1 

51 

Madrid, 
Malone, 
Massena, 
Morristown, 

Ogdensburgh, 
Parishville, 
Potsdam, 
Pierpont, 
Pitcairn, 
Russell, 
Richville, 
Stockholm, 
Stockholm   & 
Norfolk, 


O.  Scott, 
A.  Case, 
W.  E.  Locke, 


D.  AnniSy 
J.  M.  Howard 
J.  H.  Green, 
R.  Bachellor, 


A.  A.  Gurnsey. 


R.  S.  Palmer, 


R.  Rhode, 


83 

150 
132 

45 
88 
175 
49 
22 
9 
47 
31 
56 

20 


27  Churches. 


16  Ministers. 


4  Licentiates. 


112  1848 


1780.  SHAFTSBURY    ASSOCIATION. 

Two  churches  in  this  State, 


1835. 


71280 


1817. 


Addison, 
Barrington, 
Bath, 

Branchport. 
Cameron, 
Campbell 
Bath, 
Deerfield, 


& 


STEUBEN   ASSOCIATION. 


& 


1 

26 

Hornby, 

J.  Ketchum, 

1 

173 

E.  Booth, 

1 

46 

Howard, 

A.B.Winchell 

1 

80 

Jersey, 

J.  B.  Chase, 

17 

Jersey 

D.  Smith, 

38 

Tyrone, 
Wheeler 

D.  Short, 

20 

Urbana, 

15* 

& 


1836. 

D.  B.  Coriell, 
D.  Woodworth 
C.  Randall, 
V.  R.  Wall, 

V.R.Wall, 


J.  Osgood, 


91 
75 
55 

99 


23 


174 


Catlin 

Jersey, 
Middlebury 

1.  Milo, 

2.  Milo, 
Prattsburg, 

1.  Pultney, 

2.  Pultney, 

25  Churches 


BAPTIST    MISSIONARY     CONVENTION. 

MiniEters.  Bap.  No.  ChurcheE.  Ministers.  Bap    Nc. 


40 

81 

W.  S.  Smith, 

5 

E.  Marshall, 

1 

49 

R.  P.  Lamb, 

77 

S.  N.  Smith, 

6 

108 

S.Sutherland, 

46 

0.  B.  Call, 

52 

les.          21  Ministers.  ' 

Starkey, 

Troup.sbury, 
Tyrone, 
Wayne, 
Wheeler, 
Penn  Yan, 


E.  W.  Martin, 
A.Sunderlain, 
J.  B.  Chase, 


J.  S. Chapman, 
E.  Thompson, 
J.  D.  Hart, 


3  Licentiates. 


89 
28 
41 
98 
32 
48 


29  1532 


1810. 


UNION    ASSOCIATION. 


2.  Fishkill, 

Carmel, 
North  Salem, 
1.  Fishkill, 
Patterson, 
Peekskill, 


N.  Robinson, 
J.  Bevan, 
J.  Warren, 


I.  Bevan, 


2 

49 

2 

220 

26 

2 

31 

66 

43 

Bedford, 
Kent  & 

Fishkill, 
1.  Dover, 

Red  Mill, 
Yorktown, 


1835. 

S.  Barret, 


D.  Baldwin, 
J.  Foss, 
—  Bullard, 


126 
143 

37 
104 

49 


11  Churches.  8  Ministers.         1  Licentiate. 

The  above  are  only  the  churches  in  this  State.     Total, 

1835. 


22   894 
28    979 


WASHINGTON    UNION    ASSOCIATION. 


1836. 


Adamsville,     |- 
Bottskill, 
Ft.  Ann  Vill 
2.  Ft.  Ann, 
1.  Hartford, 
S.  Hartford, 
Hebron, 
Ft.  Edward, 
Salem, 

Kingsbury   & 
Hartford 


N.  Colver, 


A.  Stearns, 

B.  Allen, 
H.F.  Baldwin. 


A.  Wait, 


76 
593 
168 
133 
199 
108 

97 
150 
102 


19  Churches. 


41 

10  Ministers. 


Kingsbury, 
Lakeville, 
Luzerne        & 
Queensbury, 
Granville, 

Rupert, 


Pawlet, 
White  Creek 


Norman  Fox, 
A.  Kenyon, 

J.  Scofield, 

H.  H.  Haff, 
D.Harrington 


W.  CormocJc, 
M.  Frary, 


D.  Tinkham, 
3  Licentiates. 


210 
52 

124 
226 


4 
1. 
462415 


123 

48 
164 


Butler, 

S.  Butler      & 

Savannah, 
Clyde, 
Huron, 
Lockville, 


1835.  V/AYNE    ASSOCIATION. 

No  retums, 
D.  Duzenbury 
L.  Morley, 


1836. 


D.  Duzenbury 
M.  Rowley, 


1 

38 

111 

4 

46 

2 

61 

I  Lyons, 

Marion, 

Ontario, 


Palmyra, 


A.Draper, 
'is, 

ng, 
Jones, 


A.  i.'raper 
|J.  Davis, 
J.  Going, 
|H.  V.  Jon( 


36 


63 
106 


91 
115 


ASSOCIATIONAL    STATISTICS. 


175 


Churches. 

Rose, 
1.  Sodus, 


W.  Sodus, 


I.  Bucklin, 


Bap.    No. 


E.  Chatfield, 


H.  Masher, 


70 

108 

45 


Churches. 

Williamson, 
Wolcott  Vill. 
2.  Walworth, 


Ministers, 

J.  Kinne, 


H.  Miner, 

15  Churches.  10  Ministers.  2  Licentiates. 

1830.  WORCESTER   ASSOCIATION.  1836. 

D.  P.  Collins, 


Bap. 

No. 

71 

7 

50 

12 

71 

110  1126 

Canajoharie, 
Cobs&  Fulton 
Jefferson, 
Jefferson       & 

Blenheim, 
Leesville, 

Middlefield, 
Maryland, 


J.  Cross, 
D.  P.  Collins 
J.  Ingalls, 


H.  Topping, 
J.  W.  Cole, 
G.  Bridge, 

N.  Mumford, 


72 

128 
135 


Sharon         & 

Deca, 
Summit, 
Waterville, 

Worcester, 
Westfordj 


13  Churches, 
1791. 


12  Ministers. 


C.  Valley 

3  Licentiates. 


E.  Spafford, 
J.  Grants, 
W.  Covey, 
A.  Butler, 
L.  Wright, 
J.  Cross, 
J.  Sutphen, 


46 

79 

97 

136 


WARWICK   ASSOCIATION. 


1835. 


Warwick, 
Pleasant  Val'y 
&  Newburgh, 
Brookfield, 
Wallkill, 
New  Vernon, 


2.  Wantage, 
Liberty, 


R.  Pickard, 


G.  Conklin, 


G.  Beebee, 
A.  Harding, 
6r.  Westervelt 


A.  Worden, 
P.  C.  Broon, 


107 

50 

108 

33 


54 
35 

58 


Thomson, 
Orange, 

Newfoundl'nd 

Greenville, 

Hardston, 

Dingman, 

Ramapo, 


H.  Hoit, 

S.  Grenell, 
J,  Smith, 


G.  Conklin, 


David  For shee 


14  Churches.  8  Ministers.  3  Licentiates. 

Providence,  P.  A.  39  Members. 

Warwick  and  Lexington  Associations  are  anti-missionary  bodies. 


69 
20 
69    958 

33 

173 
25 

64 
56 
20 

41 

7    797 


Note. — An  omission  was  made  in  the  "  Concluding  Remarks,"  page  157, 
of  the  number  of  churches  and  associations.  It  should  read  "  In  the  year 
1792,  in  all  this  part  of  the  country  there  were  only  15  churches,  compris. 
ing  572  members.  Now  within  the  same  territory  there  are  27  associations, 
512  churches,  395  ordained  ministers,  81  licentiates,  and  46,496  members." 


176 


BAPTIST   MISSIONARY  CONVENTION. 


SUMMARY. 


Associations. 

Chhs. 

Min's. 

Licens. 

Bap. 

To.No. 

Berkshire. 

16 

13 

57 

1003 

Black  River, 

2Q 

11 

13 

1570 

Chenango, 

22 

17 

3 

556 

2396 

Chautauque,     - 

38 

25 

2 

106 

2545 

Cortland, 

18 

16 

6 

221 

2177 

Cayuga, 

17 

15 

1 

109 

1657 

Cattaraugus, 

16 

7 

7 

83 

1067 

Canisteo,  [no  minutes  received] 

Franklin,    .        -        .        . 

23 

12 

1 

64 

1956 

Genesee,          ... 

22 

13 

5 

43 

2538 

Genesee  River,    . 

18 

12 

4 

130 

1677 

Holland  Purchase, 

21 

13 

12 

208 

1736 

Jefferson,    .         .        .        ^ 

9 

9 

1 

7 

1257 

Livingston, 

9 

5 

1 

9 

488 

Madison, 

17 

23 

4 

217 

2754 

Monroe, 

21 

23 

4 

219 

2502 

Niagara, 

20 

18 

60 

1756 

Oneida, 

23 

19 

3 

134 

2259 

Otsego,       .... 

28 

22 

2 

215 

2496 

Onondaga, 

19 

16 

6 

57 

2137 

Ontario,      .... 

18 

17 

5 

123 

1593 

Oswego, 

14 

11 

2 

18 

1339 

Seneca,       .... 

21 

19 

79 

2129 

St.  Lawrence, 

27 

16 

4 

112 

1846 

Steuben,     .... 

25 

21 

3 

26 

1532 

Worcester,       ... 

13 

12 

3 

65 

958 

Wayne, 

15 

10 

2 

110 

1126 

Total  in  Western  New  York, 

512 

395 

81 

3041 

46496 

Dutchess, 

6 

5 

61 

552 

Essex  &  Champlain, 

13 

6 

4 

159 

1366 

Hudson  River,     . 

41 

42 

14 

664 

5875 

Lexington, 

9 

5 

2 

9 

919 

Lake  George, 

13 

7 

1 

41 

1006 

New  York, 

16 

12 

2 

94 

2169 

Rensselaerville, 

12 

8 

157 

1057 

Saratoga, 

20 

16 

9 

111 

2736 

Stephentown,      . 

16 

5 

1 

164 

1549 

Washington  Union, 

9 

10 

3 

46 

2415 

Warwick, 

14 

8 

3 

7 

797 

Shaftsbury,      - 

2 

1 

2 

7 

280 

Union,         -        .        .        . 

12 

6 

1 

11 

979 

Total  in  the  State, 

695 

526 

123 

4572 

68196 

BIOGRAPHICAL     SKETCHES. 


Having  completed  our  account  of  the  early  history  and  progress  of 
tJie  Baptist  denomination  in  western  New  York,  we  now  propose  to 
give  separate  and  connected  accounts  of  the  lives  of  some  of  the  lead- 
ing ministers  in  this  field  of  labor.  Others,  also,  would  have  been  given, 
had  the  materials  been  within  our  reach ;  but  the  want  of  these  has 
caused  the  omission  of  some  excellent  men.  We  have  the  authority  of 
the  Holy  Spirit  for  recording  the  labors  and  services  of  men  of  distin- 
guished piety  and  usefulness.  The  lives  of  the  saints  are  a  comment 
on  the  covenant  faithfulness  of  God,  and  will  be  regarded,  in  ages  to 
come,  as  illustrating  the  exceeding  riches  of  his  grace.  A  faithful  re- 
cord of  their  lives  continues  to  the  world  the  light  of  their  examples  ; 
enables  them,  while  dead,  yet  to  speak ;  and  gives  them,  even  when 
raoldering  in  their  graves,  an  influence  which  may  quicken  the  zeal  and 
purity  of  the  church,  and  promote  the  progress  of  the  gospel.  Thus 
the  experience,  the  examples,  and  the  wisdom,  of  those  who  have  gone 
before,  are  made  to  shine  upon  the  path  of  those  who  succeed  them, 
and  thus  shed  around  them  the  accumulated  light  of  many  generations. 

Yet  in  the  performance  of  no  duty  are  men  more  liable  to  err  than 
in  giving  the  character  of  departed  saints.  While  endeavoring  to  illus- 
trate their  virtues,  they  too  frequently  cast  a  veil  over  their  defects,  and 
give  but  a  partial  view  of  their  characters.  In  proportion  as  defects 
and  depravity  are  concealed,  the  power  of  grace  is  less  conspicuous  in 
the  formation  of  their  characters,  and  in  the  production  of  those  virtues 
which  stamp  them  with  the  likeness  of  their  Divine  Master.  After 
making  ample  allowance  for  the  influence  of  education,  and  the  general 
influence  of  the  gospel,  in  elevating  the  standard  of  public  morals, 
there  is  yet  much  left  to  be  effected  by  the  Spirit  of  grace  in  forming 
the  hearts  of  men  to  the  love  and  practice  of  virtue.  And  there  is  un- 
doubtedly  no  higher  display  of  creative  power  and  glory,  than  that  which 
is  manifested  in  forming  and  developing  the  Christian  character.  In 
the  following  biographical  notices  we  shall  aim  at  strict  impartiality ; 
and  we  trust  that  the  church  may  be  benefited  and  God  glorified  by  a 
plain  and  faithful  delineation  of  the  labors  and  characters  of  his  ser- 
vants. 


178  BAPTIST    MISSIONARY  CONVENTION. 


ASHBEL    HOyMER. 

Eld.  AsHBEL  HosMER  was  born  at  West  Hartford,  Conn., 
April  30,  1758.  He  was  the  son  of  Thomas  Hosmer,  Esq. 
At  the  age  of  sixteen  years  he  entered  the  service  of  his 
country,  in  which  he  received  a  severe  wound.  At  about 
thirty  years  of  age  he  experienced  a  change  of  heart,  and 
united  with  the  Baptist  church  in  Canaan,  Conn.,  where  he 
began  to  improve  in  public  meetings.  Thence  he  removed 
to  WaUingsford,  and  on  the  3d  of  October,  1792,  was  set 
apart  to  the  work  of  the  ministry  by  solemn  ordination.  In 
1795  he  removed  to  Burlington,  N.  Y.,  where  he  resided 
several  years.  During  his  stay  in  this  place  he  met  with 
many  trials  ;  the  people  contributed  but  little  to  his  support ; 
his  family  was  large  and  expensive ;  his  calls  abroad  were 
numerous  ;  he  was  often  reduced  to  great  necessities,  which 
he  bore  with  great  fortitude.  He  afterward  removed  to  Ham- 
ilton, from  which  time  his  circumstances  were  greatly  im- 
proved, and  he  was  in  a  measure  freed  from  those  embarrass- 
ments he  had  long  labored  under. 

He  departed  this  life  April  2,  1812,  in  the  54th  year  of 
his  age,  to  the  great  grief  of  his  family  and  numerous  ac- 
quaintance. His  death  was  severely  felt  by  the  churches  and 
ministers  which  had  been  so  often  favored  with  his  instruc- 
tions and  advice. 

Great  and  unwearied  have  been  his  labors  for  the  promo- 
tion of  the  cause  of  truth  ;  traveling  night  and  day,  in  heat 
and  cold,  snow  and  rain,  through  dismal  wilds  and  unbeaten 
roads,  oftentimes  hungry,  wet,  and  cold,  without  any  prospect 
of  pecuniary  reward.  He  came  very  early  into  this  then 
infant  country,  and  labored  much,  with  the  two  or  three  min- 
isters who  came  just  before  him,  to  propagate  the  gospel 
among  the  new  settlers.  He  was  of  sound  judgment,  deep 
penetration,  quick  discernment,  persevering  in  his  designs, 
and  indefatigable  in  his  pursuits.  He  attended  almost  all  the 
associations  and  councils  in  this  part  of  the  country.  He 
manifested  great  zeal  for  the  maintenance  of  real  fellowship 


BIOGRAPHIES — ^JOEL  BUTLER.  179 

among  the  churches — was  exceedingly  active  in  detecting 
impostors,  and  in  arresting  every  measure  which  had  a  ten- 
dency to  interrupt  the  peace  and  tranquilUty  of  Zion.  He 
died  with  unshaken  confidence  in  that  Redeemer  whose  cause 
he  so  zealously  espoused,  and  whose  gospel  he  preached  with 
fervency.  "  Blessed  are  the  dead  who  die  in  the  Lord,  from 
henceforth ;  Yea,  with  the  Spirit,  that  they  may  rest  from 
their  labors :  and  their  works  do  follow  them." 


JOEL     BUTLER, 

Died,  at  Geneva,  Jennings  Co.,  Ind.,  on  the  13th  of  Sep- 
tember, 1822,  Eld.  Joel  Butler,  in  the  71st  year  of  his 
age.  .  When  the  curtain  falls  at  the  close  of  an  interesting 
drama,  we  sometimes  endeavor  to  recall  some  of  the  pleasant 
sensations  which  it  inspired,  by  retracing  some  of  its  most 
important  scenes.  In  like  manner  we  derive  a  kind  of 
pleasure  from  recounting  some  of  the  prominent  events  in 
the  life  of  a  deceased  friend.  A  short  memoir  of  Eld.  Butler 
may  not  be  uninteresting  to  his  numerous  acquaintances  and 
friends. 

He  was  born  in  Shrewsbury,  Mass.,  on  the  31st  day  of 
March,  1752.  Little  is  known  of  him  till  about  the  20th 
year  of  his  age,  when  he  moved  with  his  parents  from  Mas- 
sachusetts to  Windsor,  Vt.,  at  which  place  he  was  married  to 
Mabel  Thomson,  on  the  24th  of  September,  1772.  In  April, 
1777,  he  was  brought  to  the  "knowledge  of  the  truth  as  it  is 
in  Jesus,"  and  joined  the  Presbyterian  church  in  that  place. 
He  soon  began  to  have  doubts  of  the  propriety  of  infant  bap- 
tism, and  some  other  doctrines  and  practices  to  which  the 
Presbyterians  adhered  ;  and  after  continuing  with  them  three 
years,  was  baptized,  and  became  a  member  of  the  Baptist 
church.  He  immediately  began  to  improve,  by  exhortation, 
&c.,  and  in  1783  he  removed  to  Woodstock,  Vt.,  where  the 
church  called  him  to  ordination.  He  was  ordained  at  Wood- 
stock, June  5,  1785.  He  continued  his  ministerial  labors  in 
that  place  and  its  vicinity  for  three  years,  where,  it  is  believed, 
his  ministry  was  blessed  to  the  salvation  of  many  souls.  He 
then  removed  to  Templeton,  Mass.,  and  two  years  afterwards 
to  New  Salem,  and  thence  to  Napleton,  on  the  east  line  of 


180  BAPTIST    MISSIONARY  CONVENTION, 

New  York  ;  in  all  of  which  places,  and  many  more  to  which 
his  labors  extended,  God  gave  him  some  souls  as  seals  of  his 
ministry.  In  1793  he  removed  to  Fairfield,  N.  Y.,  about 
sixty-six  miles  west  of  Albany.  At  this  time  there  were  but 
two  ministers  of  the  Baptist  denomination,  besides  himself, 
west  of  Albany.  He  had  much  reason  to  exclaim,  "  0  Lord, 
the  harvest  truly  is  great,  but  the  laborers  are  few  !"  He 
and  his  two  colleagues  in  the  ministry  formed  the  first  con- 
ference and  association  west  of  Albany.  He  now  felt 
"married  to  Zion,"  and  rode  from  place  to  place,  through 
every  inclemency  of  weather,  privation,  and  suffering,  to 
spread  the  knowledge  of  the  gospel  among  the  scattered 
inhabitants  of  this  then  wilderness.  Many,  it  is  believed, 
were  brought  to  the  knowledge  of  the  truth,  through  the 
instrumentality  of  his  labors,  in  the  counties  of  Herkimer, 
Montgomery,  Oneida,  and  Otsego.  In  March,  1799,  he 
moved  to  Sangerfield,  where  his  labors  were  wonderfully 
blessed,  as  well  as  in  some  of  the  neighboring  towns,  as 
Manlius,  Pompey,  Homer,  Scipio,  Ovid,  Palmyra,  &c. 

About  this  time  he  made  a  visit  to  his  parents,  in  Vermont, 
and  baptized  his  father,  who  had  been  for  many  years  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Presbyterian  church.  In  1805  he  broke  up  house- 
keeping, and  rode  from  place  to  place,  with  his  consort, 
preaching  the  gospel,  having  no  fixed  place  of  residence. 
He  was  everywhere  greeted  as  a  father  and  a  friend,  and  his 
council  sought  in  all  matters  of  difficulty  in  relation  to  church 
government. 

In  the  autumn  of  1817  he  descended  the  Ohio  as  far  as 
Cincinnati,  where  he  continued  and  preached  until  the  March 
following,  when  he  came  to  Madison,  Ind.,  and  preached 
during  the  spring  and  summer.  In  September  he  removed 
to  Vernon,  and  thence  to  Geneva,  where  he  lived  rather  ob- 
scurely  till  the  time  of  his  death,  though  he  occasionally 
preached  to  the  comfort  and  edification  of  saints  and  the 
awakening  of  sinners.  He  was  attacked  with  the  sickness 
which  terminated  his  life  while  on  a  preaching  tour  in  the 
New  Purchase.  He,  however,  was  able  to  return  to  the 
house  of  his  son,  where  he  died. 

Eld.  Butler's  sermons  were  generally  systematic,  well 
connected,  and  his  quotations  from  scripture  appropriate. 
His  language  was   plain   and  perspicuous,  and  sometimes 


BIOGRAPHIES EMORY    OSGOOD.  181 

eloquently  metaphorical.  His  manner  of  delivery  was  solemn 
and  impressive.  About  the  year  1810  he  was  attacked 
with  an  apoplectic  fit,  and  fell  into  the  fire,  by  which  the 
globe  of  his  left  eye  was  entirely  destroyed,  and  his  face 
otherwise  much  disfigured.  Previous  to  that  event  his  person 
was  comely.  During  the  last  years  of  his  life  he  had  several 
attacks  of  sickness,  which  seemed  to  threaten  his  life  ;  and 
he  often  spoke  of  death  as  near  at  hand. 

"  He  smiled  unruffled  o'er  the  approaching  scene." 

During  his  last  sickness  he  spoke  of  the  goodness  of  God 
to  him,  and  appeared  willing  "  to  depart  hence,  that  he  might 
be  with  Christ."  A  sermon  was  preached  at  his  burial  by 
Eld.  Thomas  Hill,  from  Rev.  xiv.  13  :  "Write,  Blessed  are 
the  dead  which  die  in  the  Lord,  from  henceforth ;  yea,  saith 
the  Spirit,  that  they  may  rest  from  their  labors  ;  and  their 
works  do  follow  them." 


EMORY     OSGOOD. 

Emory  Osgood  was  born  in  the  town  of  Newfane,  county 
of  Windham,  Vermont,  July  24,  1777.  Left  an  orphan  in 
the  second  year  of  his  age,  he  was  subjected  to  many  priva- 
tions and  hardships,  and  had  but  little  opportunity  for  an 
education.  In  the  year  1799  he  married  Miss  Cynthia 
Stockwell ;  and  from  the  time  of  their  first  acquaintance  he 
resolved  to  become  more  steady  and  industrious.  In  1800 
his  mind  was  arrested  ;  at  once  his  sins  seemed  to  be  set  in 
order  before  him,  and  he  was  brought  to  the  painful  conclu- 
sion that  he  had  sinned  away  the  day  of  grace.  He  contin- 
ued much  in  this  situation  for  days.  His  distracted  mind 
now  retraced  the  events  of  a  wicked  life,  which  only  increased 
the  gloomy  horror — he  often  retired  in  secret  to  pray.  Mrs. 
Osgood,  who  had  for  a  long  time  been  in  a  similar  state  of 
mind,  begged  the  privilege,  on  the  next  occasion,  of  retiring 
with  him.  Accordingly,  the  next  evening  they  retired  into 
the  field,  and  there,  upon  their  knees,  besought  the  Lord  to 
have  mercy  upon  them.  God  was  pleased,  in  rich  mercy,  to 
grant  deliverance  to  his  soul.  The  next  evening,  by  the 
16 


182  BAPTIST   MISSIONARY    CONVENTION. 

request  of  his  wife,  he  prayed  in  his  family,  and  from  that 
time  the  family  altar  was  never  left  without  an  offering 
(except  providentially)  until  the  day  of  his  death.  He  was 
baptized  by  Eld.  Beemus,  in  Hinsdale,  N.  H.,  Feb.,  1801. 
July  following  he  united  with  the  Baptist  church  in  Brook- 
line.  It  was  at  this  time  that  his  mind  became  deeply  im- 
pres  sed  with  the  duty  of  preaching  Christ ;  but  the  magni- 
tude of  the  work,  and  the  vast  responsibility  which  the  subject 
involved,  together  with  his  limited  knowledge  and  abilities, 
of  which  he  seemed  fully  conscious,  overwhelmed  his  mind, 
and  he  found  his  heart  much  inclined  to  rebellion.  But  God 
was  pleased  to  make  him  willing  by  the  rod  of  correction  ; 
and  now  humbled  under  his  mighty  hand,  he  promised  obe- 
dience to  his  command. 

In  1802,  being  called  by  the  church  to  exercise  his  public 
talents,  he  obeyed,  and,  with  trembling  heart,  addressed  the 
people  from  Isa.  v.  4,  to  their  comfort  and  edification.  He 
continued  preaching  in  the  vicinity  of  this  church  and  in 
Hinsdale  until  1803,  when  the  finger  of  Providence  seemed 
to  point  him  to  the  Black  River  country,  N.  Y.,  to  which 
place,  after  making  suitable  arrangements,  he  removed  with 
his  family,  and  settled  in  Henderson,  poor,  indeed,  in  the 
things  of  this  world.  Here  he  had  to  labor  with  his  hands, 
and  preach  the  gospel.  The  countiy  being  new,  and  the 
inhabitants  generally  poor,  he  could  have  but  little  prospect 
of  assistance  from  them  ;  consequently,  he  was  subjected  to 
many  inconveniences,  not  uncommon  to  ministers  in  new 
settlements.  There  were  only  three  families  in  that  town  on 
his  arrival ;  and  he  was  under  the  necessity  of  going  three 
and  four  miles  to  labor  with  his  hands  to  obtain  provision  for 
his  family. 

His  ministerial  labors  were  spent  in  different  places.  For 
two  or  three  years  he  traveled  on  foot  twelve  or  fourteen 
miles.  At  this  time  he  was  earnestly  solicited  by  the  breth- 
ren on  Sandy  Creek  to  remove  among  them  ;  but  his  mind 
being  impressed  that  there  would  soon  be  a  people  near  him, 
who  would  need  his  labors,  he  declined  their  proposals.  And 
in  this  he  was  not  disappointed.  Settlers  now  flocked  in  from 
almost  every  quarter,  so  that  the  ensuing  season  he  was  called 
to  preach  within  two  miles  of  his  own  habitation.  In  1806 
he  saw  the  rise  of  the  first  Baptist  church  in  Henderson, 


BIOGRAPHIES EMORY    OSGOOD.  183 

constituted  with  eighteen  members,  of  which  he  and  his  wife 
were  two,  and  where  he  continued  a  successful  pastor  until 
regularly  dismissed  in  1823,  to  go  to  Oneida  Castleton. 

In  1807  he  was  ordained  to  the  work  of  the  ministry  ;  and 
for  the  ten  ensuing  years  never  failed  to  preach  on  Lord's 
day  but  two  or  three  times ;  and  during  that  term  never  dis- 
appointed an  assembly,  although  he  had  to  labor  in  the  field 
daily  to  support  his  family,  and  was  frequently  called  on  to 
attend  funerals,  ten,  fifteen,  twenty,  and  in  one  instance  forty, 
miles  from  home.  In  1813  he  preached  twenty-seven  funeral 
sermons  in  the  short  term  of  thirty  days.  In  the  fall  of 
1807  he  beheld  the  rise  of  the  Black  River  Baptist  Asso- 
ciation, of  which  he  was  the  clerk  for  a  number  of  years. 

Eld.  Osgood  appears  to  have  commenced  his  missionary 
labors  in  1811.  From  that  date  to  his  last  illness  a  great 
proportion  of  his  labors  were  spent  on  the  missionary  field. 
He  acted  at  different  times  under  the  patronage  of  the  Mass. 
B.  M.  Society,  the  Baptist  Board  of  Foreign  Missions  for 
the  U.  S.,  and  the  Board  of  the  Hamilton  B.  M.  Society,  N. 
Y.  He  devoted  much  time  under  the  former  Society,  and 
the  instruction  of  the  soldiers  at  Sackett's  Harbor.  When 
about  to  close  his  labors  among  them,  he  received  a  letter 
from  the  officers  of  that  post,  expressive  of  their  regard  for 
him,  both  as  a  man  and  a  minister  of  the  gospel. 

In  Jan.,  1812,  he  commenced  a  daily  journal,  which  he 
continued  until  May  31,  1824,  which  contains  many  inter- 
esting particulars,  and  shows  his  life  to  have  been  one  of 
almost  unexampled  activity  in  ministerial  labors.  The  fol- 
lowing extracts  from  his  recapitulations,  on  entering  a  new 
year,  will  be  sufficient  to  illustrate  this  statement : 

"Jan.  1,  1818.  On  a  review  of  the  past  year,  I  have 
much  cause  to  mourn,  and  great  reason  to  rejoice.  I  can 
say.  Hitherto  the  Lord  hath  helped  me.  I  have  had  many 
blessed  meetings,  and  some  as  peculiar  trials  as  ever  I  expe- 
rienced. I  have  tried  to  preach  one  hundred  and  thirty-nine 
times,  attended  sixty-four  conference  and  prayer-meetings, 
and  twelve  church-meetings.  I  have  baptized  fifty,  and  mar- 
ried ten  couple." 

"  Jan.  1,  1819.  On  reviewing  the  scenes  of  the  past  year, 
I  find,  as  usual,  much  want  of  affection  to  God.  The  scenes 
through  which  I  have  passed  have  been  complicated.     I  have 


184  Baptist  missiois-ary  convention. 

had  to  encounter  many  deadly  enemies ;  but  the  Lord  has 
deUvered  me  out  of  their  hands.  I  have  dehvered  tv/o  hun- 
dred and  twelve  public  discourses,  twenty  of  them  funeral ; 
attended  sixty-eight  conference  and  prayer-meetings,  and 
nineteen  church-meetings  ;  have  baptized  sixteen,  and  mar- 
ried twelve  couple.  Many  times  I  have  rejoiced,  and  at 
other  times  mourned.  I  can  make  mercy  and  judgment  my 
song.  The  Lord  keep  me  this  year,  and  enable  me  to  dis- 
charge  with  fidelity  my  ministerial  duties." 

"Jan.  1, 1820.  I  have  lived  to  see  another  new-year,  and 
in  looking  back  I  find  much  cause  of  mourning  and  much  of 
rejoicing.  Of  mourning  on  account  of  my  unlikeness  to  the 
Master  I  profess  to  serve  ;  a  want  of  faithfulness,  of  patience, 
and  resignation,  to  God.  Of  rejoicing,  on  account  of  the 
faithfulness  of  God  in  supporting  me  under  the  most  severe 
trials  I  ever  experienced,  and  in  not  suffering  my  enemies  to 
triumph  over  me  ;  permitting  me  to  discover  their  plots  and 
intrigues  against  me.  O  how  they  have  sought  for  my  soul ! 
How  glad  they  would  have  been  to  have  destroyed  the  church 
and  me  ;  and  if  God  had  not  been  our  helper,  they  would 
have  triumphed.  O  may  I  be  delivered  from  wicked  and 
ungodly  men,  which  are  thy  sw^ord.  I  think  God  has  made 
me  instrumental  of  saving  this  part  of  the  church.  To  him 
be  all  the  glory.  I  can  now  say  with  Jacob,  in  calling  to 
mind  my  first  settlement  in  this  town,  '  With  this  staff  I 
passed  over  this  Jordan,  and  now  I  have  become  two  bands*' 
I  have  delivered  two  hundred  and  twenty-three  public  dis- 
courses, attended  sixty-eight  conference,  church,  and  prayer, 
meetings,  and  ten  public  meetings  abroad,  such  as  councils, 
missionary  meetings,  &;c." 

"Jan.  1,  1823.  Another  of  my  years  has  fled,  and  I  am 
permitted,  unprofitable  as  I  am,  to  see  another  new-year's  day. 
I  have  very  much  cause  of  thankfulness  for  special  mercies 
experienced  the  year  past.  My  health  has  been  good,  and 
that  of  my  family.  Death  has  made  no  breach  upon  us. 
We  have  enjoyed  peace  and  plenty,  and  have  been  blessed 
with  many  spiritual  enjoyments.  I  have  seen  much  of  the 
salvatioM  of  God  in  the  regeneration  of  sinners.  I  have 
enjoyed  much  comfort  in  ministerial  association.  I  feel 
united  with  all  my  brethren  in  the  ministry.  I  have  as  much 
visible  evidence  of  usefulness  in  the  Zion  of  God  as  in  anv 


I  BIOGRAPHI-^EMORY   OSGOOD.  185 

one  year  of  my  life.  I  have  everything  to  be  thankful  for. 
I  know  that  all  the  trials  I  have  ever  experienced  in  the  min- 
istry, (if  I  am  one  of  Christ's  ministers,)  will  terminate  for 
my  good.  I  have  delivered,  the  year  past,  two  hundred  and 
twenty  pubhc  discourses,  have  attended  seventy-six  confer- 
ence and  prayer-meetings,  and  eight  public  meetings,  and 
baptized  fifty-three  on  profession  of  faith  in  Christ." 

These  extracts  furnish  but  a  slight  specimen  of  his  general 
course  of  activity.  He  was  favored  with  a  number  of  gen- 
eral  revivals  of  religion  in  his  society,  at  different  periods ; 
so  that  in  1819  the  church  was  divided,  and  the  second  church 
in  Henderson  arose.  While  engaged  in  his  missionary  ex- 
ercises, his  whole  heart  seemed  inflamed  with  missionary 
zeal,  which  opposition  could  scarcely  abate.  Yet,  during 
these  seasons  of  absence  from  his  family  and  the  people  of 
his  charge,  he  did  not  forget  his  conjugal,  parental,  and  pas- 
toral,  duties.  He  frequently  mentions  his  family,  and  the 
people  of  his  charge,  in  his  journals,  with  the  tenderest  soli- 
citude :  and  commends  them  to  the  protection  of  Heaven. 

It  was  principally  through  his  influence  that  the  Black 
River  B.  M .  Society  was  formed,  of  which  he  was  secretary 
for  several  years.  He  made  collections  to  a  considerable 
amount  both  for  the  foreign  and  domestic  missions,  in  New 
York,  Vermont,  New  Hampshire,  and  Upper  Canada.  In 
July,  1823,  he  received  a  call  from  the  Hamilton  B.  M. 
Board,  to  go  and  reside  at  Oneida  Castleton,  and  take  the 
superintendence  of  their  missionary  establishment  in  that 
place.  The  emotions  that  call  produced  in  his  mind  are 
expressed  in  a  letter  to  Eld.  N.  Cole,  a  member  of  that  Board, 
from  which  the  following  is  extracted  : 

"Dear  Brother  C. — About  a  week  since  I  received 
your  letter.  Its  contents  overwhelmed  me.  Such  a  con- 
flict of  feelings,  for  a  few  hours,  I  never  before  experienced . 
A  retrospect  of  former  feelings,  a  consideration  of  present  cir- 
cumstances, and  future  consequences,  all  combined,confounded 
and  overwhelmed  me.  My  companion  seemed  to  share  equally 
with  me.  It  is  beyond  my  power  to  describe  my  feelings  to  you. 
Suffice  it  to  say,  that  I  have  called  to  mind  some  of  the  times 
when  I  and  my  dear  partner  conversed  together  on  the  sub. 
ject  of  missions — expressed  our  willingness  to  part  with  the 
blessings  of  civilized  life,  and  settle  down  with  some  tribe  of 
16* 


186  BAPTIST    JIISSIONARY    CONVENTION. 

Indians,  and  spend  our  days  in  trying  to  do  them  good ;  but 
had  no  expectation  that  such  a  door  would  ever  open.  I 
never  even  thought  of  seeking  such  a  thing.  I  trust  I  never 
shall  forget  the  interest  I  felt  when  they  commenced  their 
operations  at  Oneida ;  and  I  can  truly  say,  that  I  have  never 
felt  any  want  of  interest ;  but  when  your  prospects  bright- 
ened, I  rejoiced  ;  when  they  appeared  gloomy,  I  mourned. 
But  all  my  feelings  about  forsaking  all  to  settle  among  In- 
dians, I  found,  on  the  receipt  of  your  letter,  to  be  merely 
ideal.  Ah  !  my  brother,  think  what  were  my  feelings  when 
I  thought  of  the  dear  church  with  whom  I  have  been  happily 
connected  almost  -seventeen  years,  and  my  labors  blessed 
among  them — ^to  tear  myself  from  them,  and  bid  them  adieu, 
probably  no  more  to  be  their  pastor  !  To  think  of  the  Mis- 
sionary Society,  and  the  association — of  separating  my  fam- 
ily, that  lie  so  near  my  heart — the  sacrifice  of  domestic 
comforts,  and  the  sacrifice  of  property.  But  all  this  is  merely 
nothing,  compared  with  the  weighty  consideration  that  re- 
mains to  be  mentioned.  Indeed,  I  found,  as  stated  above, 
that  my  ideas  of  a  missionary  station  were  ideal.  I  found 
myself  disqualified  in  everything  but  a  disposition  to  do  the 
Indians  good.  The  vast  responsibility  attached  to  the  sta- 
tion— the  eyes  of  all  our  brethren  and  of  cur  enemies  fixed 
on  it — the  awful  consequences  of  being  the  means  of  the 
failure  of  the  glorious  enterprise !  I  feel  that  I  had  rather 
die  than  that  the  mission  should  fail  on  my  account." 

On  the  12th  of  October  he  preached  his  farewell  discourse 
to  the  dear  people  of  his  charge,  and  on  the  13th  left  Hen- 
derson.  He  arrived  at  Oneida  with  his  family  on  the  15th, 
and  engaged  in  the  duties  of  a  missionary  to  the  Oneida 
Indians.  But  the  Lord  in  wisdom  had  designed  to  disappoint 
the  rising  hopes  and  expectations  of  his  patrons,  by  speedily 
terminating  his  career.  His  health  was  evidently  impaired 
on  his  first  arrival;  yet  he  engaged  with  much  zeal  in 
arranging  afiairs,  collecting  provision  from  abroad,  and  in 
preaching  the  gospel,  until  April.  He  appeared  much  ani- 
mated in  his  employment,  and  thought,  assuredly,  that  he 
should  live  to  see  converts  among  the  natives  to  the  Christ- 
ian  faith. 

On  the  opening  of  the  spring  he  became  more  enfeebled, 
and  from  that  time  was  able  to  preach  only  occasionally. 


,  BIOGRAPHIES EMORY    OSGOOD.  IS? 

He  preached  his  last  discourse,  and  broke  bread  to  the  church 
at  Oneida,  on  the  last  Lord's  day  in  May.  His  text  is  found 
in  Job  xxi.  21 :  "Acquaint  now  thyself  with  him,  and  be  at 
peace  ;  thereby  good  shall  come  unto  thee."  He  was  then 
very  weak,  but  his  word  seemed  to  be  with  power.  It  was 
thought  by  some,  at  the  time,  it  would  be  his  last  sermon. 
On  the  third  day  of  June  he  started  on  a  journey  with  his 
wife,  to  the  Black  River,  to  attend  the  Association  and  Mis- 
sionary Society.  He  was  not  able  to  sit  up  but  a  small  part 
of  the  time  when  he  left  home ;  but  the  solicitations  of  his 
friends  to  reUnquish  his  object  availed  nothing.  He  said  it 
was  important  that  he  should  go.  It  was  with  much  diffi- 
culty that  he  performed  his  journey,  finished  his  business, 
and  arrived  at  his  son's  in  Henderson :  where  his  disease  (a 
catarrh  in  the  head,  and  an  affection  of  the  lungs)  arrested 
him,  and  he  could  proceed  no  farther.  Here  he  was  brought 
very  low ;  but  such  was  his  zeal  and  resolution  to  promote 
his  favorite  object,  that  he  persuaded  his  companion  to  leave 
him  under  these  precarious  circumstances,  and  return  to 
Oneida,  to  manage  the  concerns  of  that  station,  until  he 
should  be  able  to  return. 

In  his  first  letter  to  her,  dated  June  18,  (after  giving  some 
account  of  his  illness,)  he  writes, 

"Oh,  pray,  that, if  1  am  restored,  it  may  be  in  mercy, and 
not  in  judgment.  I  have  had  such  desires  to  live  for  the 
sake  of  those  Indians,  that  I  have  thought  of  late  that  I  did 
not  know^but  the  Lord  would  restore  in  judgment,  and 
leave  me  to  dishonor  his  name,  and  be  a  damage  to  the  mis- 
sion. Oh,  pray  that  I  might  rather  now  die,  than  that  this 
should  be  the  case.  My  affectionate  love  to  all  that  apper- 
tain to  the  mission  ;  to  all  the  brethren  and  sisters,  and  to 
the  Indian  children.  Tell  them  I  guess,  in  about  three  or 
four  weeks,  the  Great  Spirit  make  me  well,  and  then  I  come 
to  take  care  of  them,  and  do  them  good.  I  trust  the  Lord 
will  strengthen  you  to  discharge  your  arduous  duties.  You 
never  appeared  to  me  so  noble,  and  deserving  of  a  much  bet- 
ter companion,  as  when  you  started  for  Oneida  and  left  me 
sick  behind.  The  Lord  be  praised  that  he  has  given  you  a 
spirit  of  missions." 

The  following  interesting  extract  of  a  letter,  dated  Hender- 
son, July  8,  will  give  a  view  of  the  state  of  his  mind : 


188  BAPTIST    MISSIONARY    CONVENTION. 

"  Ever  Dear  Companion — I  have  hitherto  only  written 
concerning  my  health.  I  thought,  this  afternoon,  I  would 
give  you  some  account  of  my  mind,  which  I  presume  you 
have  felt  anxious  to  know.  But  I  can  only  give  you  some 
outlines  of  it,  and  trust  the  Lord  will  soon  give  me  an  oppor- 
tunity of  telling  you  more  fully.  It  was  a  sacrifice  to  part 
with  you,  I  had  nothing  to  do  but  to  contemplate  eternal 
things,  which,  according  to  many  appearances,  I  should  soon 
have  to  realize.  My  mind  was  composed  ;  I  felt  that  I  could 
throw  myself  on  God,  and  repose  my  whole  confidence  in 
him.  My  mind  was  possessed  of  the  richest  consolation  that 
I  think  I  ever  enjoyed.  My  passions  have  not  been  excited, 
but  I  have  felt  a  firm  confidence  in  God.  The  most  my  pas- 
sions have  been  excited  was  from  this  circumstance :  I  sat 
looking  on  my  hands,  seeing  how  emaciated  they  were ;  I 
said  to  Clarrissa,  What  a  glorious  thought  that  these  poor 
emaciated  bodies  will  one  day  put  on  immortal  youth !  This 
verse  from  Dr.  Watts  occurred  to  my  mind  : 

'  These  lively  hopes  we  owe 
To  Jesus'  dying  love, 
Who  paid  for  us  his  life  below, 
And  prays  for  us  above.' 

"  O  how  sweet !  It  seemed  that  I  was  permitted  to  stand,  as 
it  were,  between  two  worlds,  where,  in  the  light  of  eternity, 
I  could  view  things  in  their  proper  character !  I  was  led  to 
reflect  as  it  respected  myself.  I  considered  that  I  had  made 
considerable  appearance  in  the  world  as  a  minister.  But,  ah ! 
when  I  viewed  things  as  they  were,  I  could  find  nothing  upon 
which  I  had  not  left  the  marks  of  moral  pollution ;  and  if  it 
was  necessary  that  I  should  have  the  smallest  duty,  and  only 
one,  that  was  pure,  to  carry  me  to  heaven,  I  found  I  was  gone. 
But,  oh !  how  precious  were  the  blood  and  righteousness  of 
Christ !  I  found  that  there,  and  there  only,  was  my  hope.  I 
never  had  the  scriptures  with  the  precious  promises  so  delight 
me.  I  have  had  as  many  as  ten  almost  sleepless  nights ;  and 
while  I  have  been  coughing  very  hard,  I  have  thought  of  the 
declaration  '  All  things  work  together  for  good,'  &;c.  and  have 
said  to  myself,  Ah !  well,  I  may  as  well  cough  as  anything 
else.  While  contemplating  the  scriptures  I  have  been  led  to 
say, 


BIOGRAPHIES EMORY     OSGOOD.  189 

*  Precious  Bible  !  what  a  treasure 
Does  the  word  of  (lod  afford  ! 
All  I  want  for  health  or  pleasure, 
Food  or  medicine,  shield  or  sword. 
Let  the  world  account  me  poor  ; 
Having  this,  I  need  no  more.' 

"E310RY  Osgood." 

His  disorder  abating  a  little,  he  was  removed,  with  some 
difficulty,  to  Oneida,  on  the  25th  of  August,  after  an  absence 
of  twelve  weeks.  He  was  very  weak,  and  much  emaciated  ; 
but  said  he  felt  better,  and  some  encouragement  was  taken, 
for  a  few  days,  that  he  would  recover.  But  soon  his  disorder 
began  again  to  rage,  and  hope  waxed  feeble.  He  still  main- 
tained a  strong  persuasion  that  he  should  recover,  and  preach 
the  gospel  to  the  poor,  for  which  he  had  an  ardent  desire.  He 
observed  that  he  thought  the  Lord  had  not  done  with  him  yet. 
He  still  possessed  great  calmness  of  mind,  and  appeared  al- 
most lost  to  worldly  things.  He  frequently  said  to  those  who 
visited  him,  "  Whether  I  live  or  die,  I  shall  have  it  to  carry  to 
eternity,  that  this  sickness  has  been  the  richest  season  of  con- 
solation that  I  have  ever  enjoyed!"  Something  being  said 
to  him  about  perfection,  "  Oh,"  replied  he,  "  no  person  that 
has  seen  and  felt  what  1  have,  could  talk  about  perfection : 
grace  !  grace  !  must  be  his  theme." 

On  the  6th  of  September  he  was  carried,  at  his  own  re- 
quest, to  Utica,  with  a  view  to  employ  the  best  medical  skill. 
He  arrived  at  Eld.  Willey's  on  the  8th,  attended  by  his  com- 
panion,  where  every  attention  which  his  case  required  was 
paid  to  him.  But  the  time  of  his  departure  was  at  hand,  and 
all  human  skill  was  exerted  in  vain.  He  continued  to  fail 
until  Lord's  day,  Sept.  12 ;  and  it  was  not  until  the  afternoon 
of  this  day,  when  he  was  actually  dying,  that  he  became  fully 
convinced  that  his  work  on  earth  was  done.  His  wife  said 
to  him,  "My  dear,  I  fear  you  are  soon  going  to  leave  me." 
He  answered,  smiling,  "  Well,  I  am  going  to  a  better  country." 

About  3  o'clock,  P.  M.,  on  Lord's  day.  Eld.  Willey,  on  his 
return  from  meeting,  said  to  him,  "  Br.  Osgood,  you  feel  as 
though  you  had  a  good  hope  in  Christ  ?"  "  That  point," 
said  he,  "was  settled  years  ago."  "How  do  you  now  feel 
in  your  mind?"     He  answered,  "  Good,  good,  good  !" 

His  wife  said,  "  Are  you  willing  to  die  1"     He  audibly  an- 


190  BAPTIST    3IISSI0NARY    CONVENTION. 

swered,  "  I  am  willing,  I  am  ready,"  and  in  a  few  moments 
expired ;  which  was  about  9  o'clock,  P.  M.  of  Lord's  day, 
Sept.  12,  1824,  aged  47  years  ;  leaving  an  afflicted  widow 
and  nine  -children  to  mourn  their  loss. 

It  is  worthy  of  remark,  concerning  this  good  man,  and 
should  serve  as  a  stimulus  to  other  poor  ministers  of  Christ, 
who  labor  under  similar  embarrassments,  that  we  find  him 
rising  from  obscurity,  without  learning,  property,  or  influence  : 
surmounting  every  obstacle,  and,  under  the  cultivation  of  Di- 
vine Grace,  becoming  obviously  more  useful  in  the  Zion  of 
God  than  most  ministers  of  the  present  age  who  are  possess- 
ed of  vastly  superior  advantages.  He  was  decidedly  Calvin- 
istic  in  his  doctrine,  and  salvation  by  grace  was  his  theme. 
He  possessed  a  v/arm  heart,  and  his  mind  appeared  engrossed 
by  his  subject.  He  frequently  seemed  to  have  access  to  the 
sinner's  heart,  over  whose  case  he  often  wept.  He  could 
ease  the  pained  heart,  by  applying  the  promises  of  the  gos- 
pel ;  and  the  children  of  God  usually  retired  from  the  assem- 
bly, both  comforted  and  edified.  He  possessed  a  happy  talent 
to  heal  divisions  among  the  people  of  God  ;  and  he  might 
justly  be  called  "a  repairer  of  breaches."  He  felt  a  tender 
solicitude  for  the  welfare  of  Zion,  and  extended  the  hand  of 
friendship  to  all  the  lovers  of  truth.  He  dearly  prized  the 
society  and  friendship  of  his  ministering  brethren,  as  the 
emotions  which  he  manifested  while  with  them  fully  testified. 
The  circle  of  his  acquaintance  had  become  extensive,  and 
he  had  many  endeared  friends.  The  natural  ardor  of  his 
mind  never  seemed  to  abate ;  and  it  may  truly  be  said,  he 
did  not  "  count  his  life  dear  unto  himself,  that  he  might  fin- 
ish  his  course  with  joy." 

In  his  death  his  family  have  lost  an  affectionate  husband 
and  a  kind  father  ;  the  ministers  of  Christ  one  of  their 
faithful  fellow-laborers  ;  the  church  of  God  an  interesting 
preacher  and  bold  defender  of  her  faith ;  the  cause  of  mis- 
sions one  of  its  most  successful  patrons  ;  and  sinners  one 
that  "  cared  for  their  souls." 

May  the  Lord  enable  us,  who  are  the  ministers  of  Christ, 
to  copy  the  virtues  of  our  departed  brother.  Like  him  may 
we  live,  and  like  him  may  we  die. 


BIOGRAPHIES STEPHEN    PARSONS.  191 


STEPHEN    PARSONS. 

Eld.  Stephen  Parsons  was  born  Sept.  5,  1748.  As  to 
his  juvenile  years  we  have  no  information  ;*  but  he  united 
with  the  Congregational  church  then  called  Separates,  and 
soon  commenced  preaching  the  gospel.  He  was  ordained  to 
the  work  of  the  ministry  Jan.  31,  1788,  and  was  called  to 
take  the  pastoral  care  of  a  church  of  that  order  in  the  city 
of  Middle  town,  Conn.,  and  labored  with  them  successfully 
seven  years.  His  mind  had  been  often  tried  respecting  the 
validity  of  infant  baptism,  but  at  this  time,  he  gave  the  sub. 
ject  a  thorough  investigation,  and  it  resulted  in  a  full  con- 
viction that  that  sentiment  was  not  warranted  by  the  word 
of  God.  Accordingly,  he  was  baptized  Aug.  1794,  by  Eld. 
Peter  P.  Roots,  and  united  with  the  Baptist  church.  Soon 
after  a  number  of  members  of  the  same  church  to  which  he 
had  administered  followed  his  example,  and  were  baptized. 

He  continued  his  ministry  in  that  vicinity,  until  1796.  In 
February  of  that  year  he  visited  Whitesboro,  where  previ- 
ously a  Congregational  church  had  been  formed,  and  he  bap- 
tized five  of  their  members.f  These,  with  two  others,  cove 
nanted  together  to  maintain  the  public  worship  of  God.  Eld. 
Parsons  visited  them  again  in  June  following,  and  gave  them 

*  One  anecdote  we  have  thought  of  sufficient  interest  to  present  in  the 
following  note.  When  Eld.  Parsons  was  about  twenty-three  years  of  age,  lie 
had  agreed  to  attend  a  merry  meeting  of  the  youth,  of  which  he  was  a  mana- 
ger. As  he  was  returning  home  one  evening  previous,  he  had  to  cross  a 
bridge  on  the  way,  and  a  thought  came  into  his  mind,  that,  if  his  horse 
should  start  while  passing  over  the  bridge,  he  should  die  in  one  month.  His 
horse  was  very  steady  ;  yet  he  trembled  fcr  fear  the  horse  might  be  frighten- 
ed. However,  he  came  to  the  bridge,  and  the  horse  moved  gently  on,  till  he 
got  almost  over,  when  all  at  once  he  became  terrified  and  started.  His  mind 
■was  therefore  deeply  impressed  that  he  should  die  in  one  month.  He  began 
to  reflect  on  his  future  state,  and  found  himself  not  prepared  to  meet  his  God. 
His  sins  were  set  in  order  before  him,  and  hell,  he  thought,  must  be  his  por- 
tion. He  remained  in  this  state  of  mind  till  the  last  day  of  the  month,  when 
he  expected  to  die,  and,  with  the  rich  man,  to  lift  up  his  eyes  in  torment.  But 
oh  !  what  a  day  !  Nothing  but  blackness  and  darkness  were  before  him  ! 
But  while  he  was  looking  for  everlasting  destruction,  the  Lord  appeared  in 
mercy;  the  shadow  of  death  was  turned  into  morning,  and  songs  were  given 
him  in  the  night.  His  happy  soul  jejoiced  in  redeeming  grace  and  infinite 
love.    "  He  died,"  indeed,  "  unto  sin,  but  was  made  alive  unto  God," 

t  Eld.  Caleb  Douglass  was  one  of  the  five. 


192  BAPTIST    MISSIONARY  CONVENTION. 

fellowship  as  a  church  in  gospel  order.  The  next  Lord's 
day  he  administered  to  them  the  Lord's  supper.  This  was  a 
precious  season  to  their  souls.  Their  number  "was  seven. 
The  September  following  he  removed  his  family  into  Whites- 
boro,  and  settled  as  their  pastor.  The  following  year,  h°, 
and  the  little  church,  united  with  the  Otsego  Association, 
and  he  joined  in  labor  with  the  ministers  already  settled  in 
this  new  country.  His  healthful  influence  was  felt  through- 
out the  whole  association. 

He  continued  his  ministry  with  the  church  in  Whitesboro, 
with  success,  seven  years,  both  in  comforting  and  building 
up  the  saints  in  the  faith  of  the  gospel,  and  in  the  salvation 
of  sinners.  He  labored  much  in  the  surrounding  country  in 
strengthening  the  feeble  churches,  and  in  other  places  where 
churches  were  not  constituted,  till  the  year  1803.  In  that 
year  he  removed  to  Turin,  where  he  was  instrumental  in 
raising  up  a  church.  He  continued  his  labors  in  that  place 
and  the  surrounding  country,  especially  in  Denmark.  Here 
he  finished  his  labors.  After  long  and  laborious  exertions 
for  the  up-building  of  the  glorious  cause  of  the  Redeemer  in 
the  world,  he  was  summoned  to  attend  his  blessed  Lord  in 
his  glorious  palace  above  ;  and  accordingly  took  his  depart- 
ure Jan.  6,  1820,  in  the  71st  year  of  his  age. 

The  circumstances  of  his  death  were  as  follows  :  he 
preached  on  Lord's  day  from  2  Sam.  xviii.  34 :  "  How  long 
am  I  to  live  ?"  He  returned  from  meeting  to  his  home  in 
Denmark  :  his  daughter  proposed  to  send  a  boy  to  put  up 
his  horse  ;  but  he  objected,  and  went  himself.  It  appears 
that  he  entered  the  barn,  and  having  climbed  upon  the  beams, 
fell  from  thence,  and  was  taken  up  in  such  a  situation  as  not 
to  be  able  to  give  any  account  of  this  melancholy  event, 
being  deprived  both  of  speech  and  reason.  He  languished 
until  Thursday  following,  and  then  entered  into  his  rest. 

Eld.  Parsons  may  be  said  to  have  been  a  most  valuable 
and  faithful  minister  of  Jesus  Christ ;  none  in  the  country 
were  superior  to  him.  He  was  naturally  retiring,  and  at 
times  appeared  gloomy.  His  countenance  was  grave,  and 
the  sound  of  his  voice,  though  not  loud,  was  solemn,  his  ar- 
ticulation distinct,  and  his  arguments  weighty.  He  would 
unfold  the  glories  of  the  gospel  to  the  astonishment  and  joy 
of  the  saints,  and  sinners  would  tremble  while  he  reasoned 


BIOGRAPHIES SALMON    MORTON.  193 

of  righteousness,  temperance,  and  a  judgment  to  come.  Thus 
fell  one  of  the  mighty  in  Israel ;  but  it  is  with  pleasure  we 
reflect,  that,  while  we  mourn  here  in  dust  for  him,  we  believe, 
as  a  gem  of  the  first  magnitude,  he  is  increasing  the  radian- 
cy of  the  Redeemer's  crown. 


SALMON    MORTON. 

He  was  born  in  Athol,  Mass.,  May  11,  1767,  and  was  the 
oldest  son  of  Dea.  Abner  Morton.  At  the  age  of  thirteen,  he 
was  a  subject  of  that  deep  conviction  of  sin,  and  those  im- 
pressions of  the  Divine  Spirit,  which,  in  the  more  mature 
part  of  his  life,  he  regarded  as  the  commencement  of  a  work 
of  grace  on  his  heart.  Of  this,  however,  at  the  time,  he  had 
not  the  evidence.  When  in  his  twenty-second  year,  the  deep 
depravity  of  his  heart  was  laid  open  to  his  view,  beyond  what 
he  had  ever  before  discovered,  and  he  had  an  overwhelming 
sense  of  the  vindictive  justice  of  God.  On  the  third  day  he 
suddenly  rose  from  his  bed,  and  went  up  stairs.  His  mother, 
with  much  anxiety,  followed  his  steps,  unperceived  by  him, 
until  she  discovered  him  on  his  knees  in  prayer.  She  in- 
dulged  the  hope  that  his  deliverance  was  near.  It  was  not, 
however,  until  the  next  day  that  he  was  brought  out  of  dark- 
ness into  the  Hght  of  the  gospel ;  at  which  lime  he  came  out 
of  his  room,  and  his  mother  inquired  of  him  how  he  felt.  He 
replied,  "  I  am  well  both  in  body  and  soul.  I  have  been  un- 
der a  great  delusion,  viewing  it  impossible  for  God  to  save  so 
great  a  sinner  as  I  am  consistently  with  his  justice.  But 
now  I  see  the  fullness  of  the  atonement  of  Christ.  His  blood 
cleanseth  from  all  sin  ;  that  is  sufficient  for  the  chief  of  sin- 
ners." He  said  much  on  the  greatness  of  the  love  of  Christ, 
and  on  the  manifestation  of  it  to  him.  On  taking  up  the  Bi- 
ble, he  opened  to  the  33d  chapter  of  Ezekiel,  where  he  read, 
<'  O  son  of  man,  I  have  made  thee  a  watchman  unto  the  house 
of  Israel ;  therefore  thou  shalt  hear  the  word  at  my  mouth, 
and  vvarn  them  from  me."  The  application  was  such  to  his 
mind,  that  it  seemed  to  be  a  command  from  God  to  him  to 
preach  the  gospel.  He  spent  two  days  in  going  from  house 
to  house,  warning  and  exhorting  all  that  he  met,  and  declar- 
ing to  them  what  the  Lord  had  done  for  his  soul.  He  had 
17 


194  BAPTIST   MISSIONARY  CONVENTION. 

little  success,  and  returned  home  much  disheartened.  He  said 
he  thought  he  "had  done  wrong.  His  father  asked  him  if 
what  he  had  said  was  not  true.  '•'  O  yes,"  he  replied,  "  the 
word  of  God  will  stand,  but  I  am  not  a  suitable  person  to 
proclaim  it."  He  continued  thus  for  several  years,  until  he 
removed  with  his  parents  into  Madison,  in  the  State  of  New 
York.  He  was  in  Madison  about  two  years,  in  much  men- 
tal distress,  when  in  1799  he  made  a  profession  of  religion. 
He  was  the  first  ever  baptized  ia  the  place,  and  only  about 
two  months  after  the  constitution  of  the  church  with  which 
he  united.  The  church  immediately  urged  him  to  commence 
preaching,  being  satisfied  that  he  was  called  of  God  to  this 
work.  In  the  mean  time  a  meeting  was  appointed  for  a  min- 
ister at  a  distance,  and  a  large  assembly  came  together ;  but 
he  failed  of  coming.  The  attention  of  the  assembly  was 
turned  upon  Mr.  Morton  to  step  forward  and  lead  in  worship. 
He  thought  he  would  read  to  them  out  of  the  scriptures,  and 
shortly  after  he  commenced  he  felt  such  a  sense  of  his  duty 
to  preach,  that  he  dared  not  decline  the  attempt.  He  spoke 
with  great  freedom  and  eflect,  to  the  astonishment  of  his 
hearers,  and  with  abundant  relief  to  his  own  soul.  Here 
was  the  commencement  of  his  ministerial  labors,  in  which  he 
afterwards  manifested  much  delight. 

From  this  time  he  was  employed  by  the  church  in  Madi- 
son, much  to  their  edification  and  profit.  On  the  23d  of  June., 
1802,  he  was  ordained.  The  council,  in  whose  fellowship 
he  was  set  apart,  consisted  of  Elds.  Bacon,  Roots,  Hosmer, 
Parsons,  and  Butler.  The  following  August  he  was  married 
to  Miss  Mary  Richardson,  daughter  of  Dea.  Jeremiah  Rich- 
ardson,  of  Newton,  Mass.  She  had  been  a  member  of  the 
Baptist  church  in  that  place  for  several  j^ears.  She  was  of 
great  use  to  him  through  life,  in  assisting  him  in  his  trials 
and  toils,  and  was  truly  an  help-meet. 

Eld.  Morton  labored  with  the  church  in  Madison  eleven 
years,  during  which  time  numbers  were  added  to  it,  and  he 
experienced  days  of  prosperity,  over  against  which  God  had 
set  days  of  adversity.  In  his  last  visit  to  them,  and  when 
preaching  to  them  for  the  last  time,  he  addressed  them  in  the 
language  of  the  apostle  :  "  I  was  with  you  in  weakness,  and 
in  fear,  and  in  much  trembling." 

When  he  resigned  his  pastoral  charge  of  this  church,  he 


'  BIOGRAPHIES SALMON    MORTON.  195 

entered  upon  more  extensive  and  arduous  labors.  He  spent 
a  part  of  his  time  with  destitute  churches,  and  the  remainder 
•he  was  employed  as  a  missionary.  At  length,  in  the  year 
1816,  he  accepted  a  call  from  the  Baptist  church  in  Marcel- 
lus,  and  removed  his  family  from  Madison  to  that  place.  He 
remained,  however,  but  about  two  years  pastor  of  this  church, 
when  he  entered  again  upon  missionary  labors. 

He  at  length  was  instrumental  of  raising  up  a  church  at 
Skaneateles ;  to  some  of  whom  his  preaching  was  made  the 
power  of  God  unto  salvation  ;  and  some  who  were  members 
in  another  connection,  being  more  fully  enlightened  into  the 
order  of  the  gospel  by  his  expositions  of  the  word,  following- 
their  solemn  convictions  of  truth  and  duty,  became  members 
of  this  church.  He  continued  his  labors  with  this  church 
for  a  time,  and  then  labored  as  a  missionary  the  most  of  a 
year,  after  vrhich  he  returned  to  them,  and  divided  his  servi- 
ces between  them  and  a  destitute  church  in  Tully.  With 
these  he  finished  his  ministry.  However,  he  did  not  remove 
his  family  from  Marcellus  ;  but  as  the  places  at  which  he 
preached  were  not  far  distant,  he  continued  here  till  he  died. 
He  was  clearly  Calvinistic  in  his  sentiments,  bold  and  discri- 
minating in  his  preaching.  To  his  long  and  deep  conviction 
of  sin  we  are  to  attribute,  in  a  great  measure,  the  clearness 
and  extent  with  which  he  would  describe  the  depravity  of 
the  heart.  In  whatever  subject  he  examined,  his  perceptions 
were  clear,  his  reasoning  powers  were  strong,  and  his  feel- 
ings ardent.  He  dwelt  much  in  preaching  on  the  perfec- 
tions of  the  Godhead,  and  His  power  and  purpose  to  save. 
His  experience  of  the  grace  of  God  was  an  effectual  barrier 
against  his  preaching  the  doctrine  of  Arminius ;  nor  did  he 
treat  the  doctrine  of  election,  the  immutability  of  God's  eoun. 
S3l,  the  ultimate  destination  of  saints  and  sinners  as  compre- 
hended in  God's  eternal  purpose,  as  subjects  of  mere  specu- 
lation. He  would  frequently  dwell  on  the  higher  points  of 
divinity,  with  a  fervor  of  devotion  evincive  of  great  delight 
in  what  the  more  feeble  in  doctrine  considered  hard  sayings. 

His  general  preaching  was  more  profitable  to  men  of  full 
age,  for  whom  strong  meat  was  intended,  than  for  those  who 
were  unskillful  in  the  word  of  righteousness,  and  had  need  of 
milk.  On  this  account  he  was  rather  deficient  in  the  qual- 
ifications of  a  pastor,  and  not  as  profitable  in  this  station  as 


196  BAPTIST    MISSIONARY  CONVENTION. 

in  his  itinerant  labors.  His  mental  powers  were  masterly, 
and  the  opposers  of  the  electing  grace  of  God  seldom  felt 
more  pain  than  while  sitting  under  his  preaching.  He  would 
never  make  a  surrender  of  truth,  nor  use  enticing  words  of 
man's  wdsdom,  to  gain  admirers,  nor  withhold  the  most 
prompt  decisions  upon  any  article  of  his  faith,  to  save  the 
feelings  of  those  who  differed  from  him. 

He  was  deeply  interested  in  the  cause  of  missions,  and 
was  one  of  the  founders  of  the  Hamilton  Baptist  Missionary 
Society,  and  continued  to  support  it,  to  the  extent  of  his 
abiUties,  through  life.  He  was  truly  a  man  of  prayer ;  few 
seemed  to  be  so  perfectly  absorbed,  and  abstracted  from 
earth,  when  engaged  in  the  exercise.  He  had  great  confi- 
dence therefore  in  the  power  of  faith,  and  at  times  enjoyed 
much  of  the  Divine  presence. 

His  circumstances  in  life  were  depressing.  Not  receiv- 
ing enough  for  his  public  services  to  supply  the  wants  of  a 
rising  family,  like  Paul,  he  was  compelled,  with  his  owk 
hands,  to  minister  to  his  necessities.  He  was  active  and 
laborious,  and  seemed  to  possess  a  spirit  akin  to  that  of  Luther. 
Whatever  he  undertook  "he  did  with  his  might ;"  and  shrunk 
neither  from  exposure  or  fatigue.  But  in  January,  1821,  he 
ventured  too  far  on  the  strength  of  his  constitution,  and 
caught  a  violent  cold,  which  settled  upon  his  lungs,  and  laid 
the  foundation  for  the  disease  which  terminated  his  life.  He 
soon  began  to  decline,  and  was  unable  to  preach.  In  August 
following  he  visited  his  aged  parents  and  friends  in  Madison, 
and  for  the  last  time  attempted  to  preach  at  Cazenovia  on 
his  return  home.  His  text  was  in  Acts  xvii.  28  :  •'  Him 
declare  I  unto  you."  He  had  unusual  assistance,  and  spoke 
with  great  freedom.  He  was  solemn,  and  much  enraptured 
"with  the  views  he  had  on  the  occasion  of  the  perfections  and 
glory  of  God.  He  returned  home  to  his  family,  and  from 
that  time  his  decline  was  more  rapid.  He  viewed  his  ap- 
proaching dissolution  with  much  fortitude  and  resignation. 

The  doctrine  he  had  preached  to  others  was  a  source  of 
great  consolation  to  him  under  all  his  distresses.  He  real- 
ized its  efficacy  and  glory,  more  than  ever,  as  he  drew  near 
the  grave.  He  suffered  much  pain  in  the  last  part  of  his 
sickness,  and  sometimes  dissolving  nature  would  express  its 
agonies  with  a  groan  ;  yet  he  bore  his  sufferings  with  pa- 


BIOGRAPHIES P.    P.    ROOTS.  197 

tience,  and  even  with  delight,  when  viewing  them  as  coming 
from  the  hand  of  his  heavenly  Father.  He  said  to  a  minis- 
tering  brother  who  visited  him,  "  He  had  often  heard  people 
say,  when  racked  with  pain,  '  It  is  hard  to  bear,  but  it  is  just.' 
He  could  say  more  ;  it  was  not  only  just,  but  merciful."  He 
regarded  all  his  distresses  as  "  light  afflictions,  which  were 
but  for  a  moment,"  and  would  in  the  end  work  out  for  him 
"  a  far  more  exceeding  and  eternal  weight  of  glory."  With 
all  the  tender  sympathies  of  a  husband  and  a  father,  he  gave 
up  his  wife  and  children  into  the  hands  of  God,  not  doubting 
but  he  would  fulfil  to  them,  all  the  good  pleasure  of  his  will. 
Then  he  quietly  fell  asleep,  as  we  believe,  in  Jesus.  He  de- 
parted this  life  on  the  morning  of  the  22d  of  January,  1822, 
in  the  54th  year  of  his  age,  and  the  twentieth  of  his  public 
ministry. 

In  point  of  intellect  and  scriptural  knowledge,  he  had  few 
equals  ;  in  nobleness  of  spirit,  few  superiors  ;  and  his  zeal  in 
a  day  of  persecution  would  have  brought  him  speedily  to  the 
martyr's  stake.  Though  valiant  in  soul,  he  was  often  tender 
and  humble  as  a  child.  Seldom  did  he  preach  a  sermon 
without  tears  flowing,  under  a  sense  of  the  condition  of  the 
impenitent,  or  infinite  depth  of  Divine  compassion.  With 
all  these  excellencies,  this  wisdom  of  the  serpent  was  not  al- 
ways blended  with  the  harmlessness  of  the  dove  :  his  zeal 
would  sometimes  overstep  the  boundary  of  discretion.  But, 
beyond  all  doubt,  he  now  sweeps  the  heavenly  lyre  with  a 
seraph's  energy. 


P.    P.    ROOTS« 

Eld.  Roots  was  born  at  Simsbury,  Conn.,  March  27, 
1765.  His  father,  the  Rev.  Benajoh  Roots,  was  a  Congre- 
gational minister  in  that  town.  When  his  son  was  eight 
years  old,  Mr.  Roots  removed  to  Rutland,  Vt.,  and  became 
the  first  settled  minister  in  that  place.  Here  his  son  spent 
his  youthful  days.  In  his  nineteenth  year  a  revival  of  reli- 
gion commenced,  under  the  labors  of  his  pious  father.  In 
this  revival  his  attention  was  arrested,  and  he  found  himself 
an  undone  sinner.  "  I  was  brought,"  says  he,  "  to  feel  my 
need  of  Christ,  and  I  hope  to  believe  in  him  as  my  Savior. 

17* 


198  BAPTIST    MISSIONARY  CONVENTION. 

After  this  I  united  with  the  church,  under  the  pastoral  care 
•of  my  father,  and  felt  a  great  desire  to  be  instrumental  of 
some  spiritual  good  to  my  fellow-men."  In  his  twenty-fifth 
year  he  graduated  at  Dartmouth  College.  He  was  licensed 
to  preach,  and  delivered  his  first  sermon  in  March,  1790. 
He  continued  in  this  connection  about  two  years,  with  good 
acceptance.  While  at  college  he  had  frequent  doubts  re- 
specting  the  validity  of  infant  baptism.  Profs.  Smith  and 
Ripley  endeavored  to  answer  his  objections,  and  dispel  his 
doubts  ;  but  without  effect.  In  1791  he  says  :  "  I  ventured 
to  do  as  I  never  had  done — to  consider  carefully  what  real 
weight  there  was  in  the  arguments  on  each  side  of  the  ques- 
tion :  and  now  the  old  fabric  began  to  crumble  to  dust." 
After  a  long  and  prayerful  investigation,  he  found  himself 
obliged,  from  a  conscientious  regard  to  truth,  to  dissolve  his 
former  church  connections,  and  unite  with  the  Baptists.  He 
was  baptized  in  Boston,  by  Dr.  Stillman,  and  united  with  the 
first  church  in  that  town.  May,  1793.  In  September  follow- 
ing  he  was  ordained  as  an  evangelist.  Immediately  after 
his  ordination,  he  traveled  by  land  to  Savannah,  Georgia, 
and  itinerated  extensively  in  that  region,  visiting  the  church- 
es and  preaching  the  gospel.*  For  eighteen  years  he  was 
generally  employed  as  a  missionary ;  but  performed,  besides, 
extensive  journeys,  and  spent  much  time  in  traveling  upon 
his  own  expenses.  He  itinerated  and  preached  in  seventeen 
of  the  United  States,  and  Canada  ;  and  traveled  quite  round 
Lake  Ontario.  He  usually  rode  about  three  thousand  miles 
in  a  year,  and  preached  three  hundred  sermons. 

He  ever  considered  enemies  in  the  church  worse  than 
friends  without.  He  therefore  took  more  pains  to  induce 
people  to  examine  themselves,  and  become  Christians,  than 
to  make  them  believe  they  were  so.  His  constant  aim  was 
to  please  God  rather  than  man.  Yet  no  man  was  more  sen- 
sible  to  the  ties  of  friendship,  or  valued  more  highly  the  fel- 
lowship of  his  brethren.  He  delighted  in  the  duties  of  the 
closet,  the  family,  and  the  house  of  God.  He  considered  it 
indispensible  to  the  character  of  a  Christian,  to  show  piety 
at  home,  and  maintain  the  worship  of  God  in  his  family. 

*  During  more  than  thirty  years  he  spent  the  greatest  part  of  his  tim€  in 
traveling  antl  preaching  the  gospel  to  the  destitute. 


BIOGRAPHIES — P.    P.    ROOTS.  199 

The  good  he  has  been  instrumental  in  effecting  will  never  be 
known  until  that  day  shall  arrive  which  shall  try  every  man's 
work,  of  what  sort  it  is.  His  preaching  talents  were  above 
mediocrity.  His  sermons  were  evangelical,  sensible,  plain, 
and  richly  stored  with  scripture  truth.  His  life  was  a  good 
comment  on  his  preaching.  He  labored  to  inculcate  the 
sublime  doctrines  of  the  gospel,  and  took  a  deep  interest  in 
all  the  benevolent  institutions  of  the  day.  To  the  friends  of 
truth,  his  preaching  was  both  instructive  and  edifying. 

Like  a  good  bishop,  he  ruled  well  his  own  house,  having 
his  children  in  subjection  with  all  gravity.  And  here  it  is 
but  justice  to  observe,  that  he  found  in  his  companion  a  judi- 
cious and  faithful  assistant  in  all  his  labors  and  duties.  She 
was  a  help-meet  indeed.  She  still  lives,  with  five  amiable 
children  to  mourn  his  departure.  May  that  God  who  is  the 
widow's  God,  and  a  father  to  the  fatherless,  be  their  portion 
and  stay.  The  end  of  this  good  man  was  peace.  His  health 
had  evidently  declined  for  a  year  before  his  death.  But  he 
continued  to  travel  and  preach,  until  the  meeting  of  the  On- 
tario Association,  1828,  when  some  of  his  brethren,  observ- 
ing his  evident  decline,  and  convinced  that  he  was  laboring 
above  measure,  advised  him  to  relinquish  his  labors,  and  return 
to  his  family,  in  hopes  that  repose  might  improve  his  health. 
Here  he  preached  but  once,  and  ended  his  public  course.  He 
was  sensible  of  his  approaching  end,  and  looked  forward  to 
his  change  with  composure  and  serenity  of  mind.  His  work 
was  done,  and  he  had  nothing  to  do  but  die.  He  admired 
the  goodness  of  God,  and  the  kindness  and  affection  of  his 
friends.  Some  little  time  before  his  death  he  took  a  formal 
leave  of  his  family,  and  appropriately  addressed  each  of  them  ; 
gave  directions  concerning  his  funeral,  and  selected  a  brother 
to  preach  on  the  occasion.  He  observed  to  his  friends  that 
his  work  was  done :  the  addition  of  days  to  his  Kfe  he  should 
consider  an  affliction  ;  but  if  he  could  be  useful  he  should  be 
quite  willing  to  live  longer.  During  a  great  part  of  his  life 
Br.  Roots  was  the  subject  of  severe  nervous  affections  ; 
which  alternately  elevated  and  depressed  his  spirits  to  such 
a  degree,  as  sometimes  to  render  him  very  uncomfortable  to 
himself  and  his  friends.  But  although  he  was  tempted  to 
relinquish  his  hope,  he  never  relinquished  his  duty.  In  the  last 
years  of  his  life  he  was  greatly  relieved  from  this  distressing 


200  BAPTIST    MISSIONARY    CONVENTION. 

complaint.  Daring  his  last  sickness  the  enemy  was  not  al- 
lowed to  buffet  him  at  all.  His  sufferings  at  times  were  very 
intense,  but  he  would  not  acknowledge  that  he  suffered.  "  I 
can  easily  bear  this,"  he  would  say  ;  "  it  is  nothing  ;  I  re- 
joice that  my  time  is  likely  to  be  shorter  than  I  expected.  I 
can  not  be  thankful  enough  for  the  goodness  of  God,  and 
your  kindness." 

Thus  this  servant  of  God  ended  a  life  of  labor,  privation, 
and  disappointment ;  and  entered,  we  trust,  upon  that  state 
of  holiness  and  perfection,  in  the  presence  of  God,  which  he 
had  so  long  and  ardently  desired  to  enjoy.  He  died  at  Men- 
don,  Monroe  Co.,  N.  Y.,  Dec.  26,  1828,  in  the  64th  year  of 
his  age. 

JOSEPH     CORNELL. 

But  few  individuals,  under  all  the  circumstances  which 
attended  his  life  and  character,  have  been  more  generally 
known  in  this  State,  and  in  a  considerable  portion  of  New 
England,  than  the  one  whose  name  is  placed  at  the  head  of 
this  article.  He  lived  in  a  peculiar  age  of  the  country  and 
of  the  church,  to  both  of  which  his  habits  and  manners  seem- 
ed  peculiarly  adapted ;  and  hence  his  popularity  and  useful- 
ness were  unquestionably  great,  in  the  different  fields  of 
labor  to  which  he  was  called  in  the  course  of  his  ministerial 
duties. 

The  subject  of  this  memoir  was  born  February  11,  1747, 
at  Swansey,  Mass.,  where  he  continued  to  reside  with  his 
father,  Mr.  Elisha  Cornell,  until  he  was  about  twenty-five 
years  of  age.  He  then  married  to  Mary  Mason,  and  removed 
with  her,  and  settled  in  business,  in  Lanesborough,  Mass., 
where  he  remained  until  the  year  1780,  when  he  was  ordained 
to  the  work  of  the  ministry. 

Eld.  Cornell  was  made  the  subject  of  grace,  as  he  suppo- 
sed,  when  he  was  about  nineteen  years  of  age ;  but  for  some 
reason  did  not  connect  himself  with  the  church  until  about 
two  years  after.  He  was  then  baptized  by  Eld.  Russel  Ma- 
son, and  united  with  the  Baptist  church  in  Swansey,  his 
native  place.  Almost  immediately  after  his  connection  with 
the  people  of  God,  his  mind  was  deeply  exercised  with  a 
sense  of  his  duty  in  reference  to  the  ministry.     On  the  one 


BIOGRAPHIES JOSEPH    CORNELL.  201 

hand,  he  felt  almost  irresistibly  impelled  to  commence  preach- 
ing the  gospel  for  the  salvation  of  sinners  ;  and  on  the  other, 
he  felt  weighed  down  with  a  sense  of  his  insufficiency,  espe- 
cially in  reference  to  the  education  necessary  to  qualify  him 
''rightly  to  divide  the  word,  and  give  to  each  his  portion  in 
due  season."  In  this  state  of  mind  he  continued  his  walk 
with  the  church,  exercising  his  gifts  in  prayer  and  exhorta- 
tion, on  all  suitable  occasions,  for  about  twelve  years,  when 
having  determined  his  future  course,  and  having  passed  the 
ordeal  of  examination  and  admission,  he  v/as  ordained  at 
Lanesborough,  in  1780. 

Immediately  after  his  ordination  he  removed  to  Manches- 
ter, Vt.,  then  a  frontier  settlement,  where  many  people  re- 
mained during  the  eventful  period  of  the  American  revolu- 
tion, and  where  there  was  a  "  Baptist  Conference,"  which 
had  invited  him  to  come  and  labor  with  them.  Soon  after 
the  commencement  of  his  ministry  in  this  place,  a  church 
was  regularly   constituted,  and  he  became  their  first  pastor. 

At  this  time  when  Eld.  Cornell  went  to  Manchester,  there 
was  a  revival  of  religion  in  that  place,  and  the  church  is 
understood  to  have  received  very  considerable  additions  ;  but 
at  the  close  of  the  war  many  of  the  inhabitants,  who  had 
resided  there  but  temporarily,  removed  to  different  places ; 
which  materially  affected  the  permanent  growth  of  the 
church  under  his  ministration. 

It  is  understood,  however,  to  have  flourished  under  his 
preaching ;  and  his  labors  in  that  place  gave  evidence  of 
Divine  acceptance,  and  satisfaction  to  the  public.  After 
remaining  at  Manchester  about  fourteen  years,  he  accepted 
an  invitation  to  take  the  pastoral  charge  of  the  second  Bap- 
tist church  in  Galway,  N.  Y.  This  church  had  been  re- 
cently constituted,  and  Dea.,  since  Eld.,  Abijah  Peck,  had 
officiated  in  its  public  exercises ;  but  as  yet  there  had  been 
no  regular  pastor  until  Eld.  Cornell  was  settled  there,  in 
1794.  Here  he  continued  for  five  years,  laboring  faithfully 
and  acceptably,  the  church  prospering  under  his  ministry. 

At  this  time  Dr.  John  Manro,  a  member  of  his  church, 
having  been  ordained  to  the  ministry.  Eld.  Cornell  resigned 
the  pastoral  charge  into  his  hands,  and  commenced  a  series 
of  missionary  labors  under  the  patronage  of  the  Massachu- 
setts Missionary  Society,  which  he  continued  for  three  years. 


202  BAPTIST    MISSIONARY    CONVENTION. 

The  first  year  he  spent  in  what  is  usually  called  the  Black 
River  country,  and  Upper  Canada;  the  second  year  princi- 
pally in  Chenango  county,  N.  Y.  ;  and  the  third  year  in  the 
western  part  of  New  York,  and  Upper  Canada.  In  the 
course  of  these  ministrations  he  formed  an  extensive  circle 
of  acquaintances,  of  a  very  dear  and  interesting  character, 
which  will  long  be  remembered. 

At  the  close  of  this  period,  in  the  year  1802,  his  health 
having  become  impaired,  he  went  to  Providence,  R.  I.,  for 
the  purpose  of  regaining  it.  At  that  time  the  first  Baptist 
church  at  Providence  was  in  a  flourishing  condition,  under 
the  pastoral  charge  of  Eld.  Stephen  Gano ;  and  the  Congre- 
gational church  in  that  place  had  recently  been  left  destitute 
by  the  death  of  its  pastor,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Snow.  The  latter 
invited  Eld.  Cornell  to  preach  for  them,  which  he  did  for 
about  a  year  ;  at  which  time,  a  revival  taking  place,  and 
most  of  the  subjects  of  it  receiving  gospel  baptism,  the 
second  Baptist  church  of  Providence  was  finally  constituted, 
from  these  and  former  members  of  the  Baptist  church,  and 
some  of  the  members  of  the  Congregational  church,  where 
Eld.  Cornell  had  been  preaching.  Over  this  church,  thus 
formed.  Eld.  Cornell  was  again  settled  as  pastor,  it  being  the 
third  instance  of  his  being  settled  as  pastor  over  churches 
newly  constituted. 

This  church  erected  a  large  and  commodious  meeting, 
house,  in  which  Eld.  Cornell  preached  the  first  sermon,  and, 
by  a  singular  coincidence,  the  last,  also,  happening  to  be  in 
Providence  on  a  visit  about  thirteen  years  afterwards,  when 
he  preached,  and  the  next  day  the  house  was  carried  away 
by  a  flood,  in  a  terrible  storm.  The  Bible  belonging  to  the 
church  was  found  floatinoj  in  the  river,  and  thouojh  drenched 
with  water,  and  although  it  must  have  changed  positions 
repeatedly  after  leaving  the  desk,  when  found  it  was  said  to 
remain  open  at  the  place  from  which  the  text  had  last  been 
taken  by  Eld.  Cornell. 

After  remaining  at  Providence  about  ten  years,  he  return- 
ed, and  resumed  his  labors  as  pastor  of  the  second  Baptist 
church  in  Gahvay,  in  which  he  succeeded  Eld.  Samuel  Ro- 
gers. Here  he  continued  about  nine  years,  and  then  resign- 
ed the  pastoral  charge  to  Eld.  Eugenio  Kincaid,  now  a  suc- 
cessful missionary  in  Burmah. 


BIOGRAPHIES JOSEPH    CORNELL.  203 

From  this  period  to  that  of  his  death,  between  four  and 
five  years,  Eld.  Cornell  was  employed  by  the  Hamilton  Bap- 
tist  Missionary  Society,  a  part  of  the  time  as  a  missionary, 
and  a  part  of  the  time  as  an  agent  for  the  Oneida  missionary 
station.  His  missionary  labors  were  principally  performed 
in  Columbia  county,  N.  Y.;  his  travels  as  an  agent  in  the 
western  part  of  New  York,  and  in  New  England.  In  this 
last  service  closed  the  labors  of  this  pious,  devoted,  and  in- 
teresting,  servant  of  Jesus  Christ,  in  the  eightieth  year  of 
his  age,  and  the  forty-sixth  of  his  ministry. 

There  was  something  singular  and  apparently  providential 
in  the  time  and  manner  of  his  death,  which  happened  in 
strict  accordance  with  his  previously  expressed  wishes,  at 
his  residence  in  Galway,  July  26,  1826.  He  had,  contrary 
to  his  previous  arrangements,  unexpectedly  returned  home 
from  Oneida  county,  on  Monday  evening,  in  good  health. 
On  Tuesday  he  complained  of  a  slight  indisposition,  which, 
however,  did  not  confine  him  to  his  house.  On  Wednesday 
morning  he  remained  about  the  same :  he  had  walked  out 
and  returned,  and  at  about  10  o'clock,  A.  M.,  he  was  sitting 
and  conversing  upon  some  common  topic  with  his  son,  Dea. 
Asa  Cornell,  when  the  latter,  perceiving  a  sudden  change 
come  over  his  father's  countenance,  sprang  forward,  and 
caught  him  to  prevent  his  falling  from  his  chair  ;  and  thus 
he  expired  instantly,  in  the  arms  of  his  son,  without  a  strug- 
gle,  a  word,  or  a  groan,  and  slept  with  the  saints  of  the 
Most  High  God  !  Such  is  the  brief  and  imperfect  history 
of  the  life  and  ministerial  labors  of  Eld.  Joseph  Cornell— 
the  duration,  variety,  and  extent,  of  which,  alone,  is  deemed 
to  be  of  sufficient  importance  to  entitle  him  to  this  notice. 

But  there  are  other  considerations  which  render  his  mem- 
ory pecuUarly  interesting.  He  was  wholly  self-taught.  So 
illiterate,  indeed,  was  he,  at  the  time  he  commenced  in  the 
ministry,  that  it  was  difficult  for  him  to  read  a  sentence  in- 
telligibly.  Notwithstanding  this,  his  language  was  general- 
ly vvell-selected,  his  arrangements  systematic,  and  his  illus- 
trations  clear  and  lucid.  He  possessed  a  strong  mind,  and  a 
discriminating  judgment,  which  enabled  him  to  steer  clear  of 
many  of  the  troubles  and  difficulties  which  frequently  dis- 
turb  the  placidity  of  the  pastoral  office.  He  seemed  to  be 
thoroughly  acquainted  with  the  avenues  to  the  human  heart, 


204  BAPTIST    3IISSI0NARY  CO^-VENTION. 

which  enabled  him  frequently,  in  the  course  of  his  preaching, 
to  make  the  most  deep  and  lasting  impressions,  with  the  most 
familiar  language  and  the  most  unlabored  argument. 

In  a  word,  his  entire  devotion,  fervent  piety,  and  unremit- 
ting  zeal,  were  apparent  at  all  times  in  his  daily  walk  and 
conversation,  and  secured  to  him  the  entire  confidence  of  the 
Christian  community.  Unlike  many  of  his  age  and  circum- 
stances, in  reference  to  literary  acquirements,  he  was  a  warm 
and  decided  friend  of  education,  and  of  those  institutions,  es- 
pecially that  at  Hamilton,  which  have  in  view  the  education 
of  persons  for  the  ministry.  The  writer  of  this  article  rec- 
ollects perfectly  well  being  present  at  a  ministerial  confer- 
ance,  nearly  twenty  years  ago,  when  Eld.  Cornell  was  also 
present,  and  warmly  espoused  the  cause  of  education  ;  ren- 
dering, as  one  reason  for  his  so  doing,  his  own  experience  of 
the  want  of  it,  and  the  privation  and  embarrassment  he  had 
suffered  as  a  consequence. 


DAVID    IRISH. 

Eld.  David  Irish  was  born  in  Paulingstown,  Dutchess 
Co.,  N.  Y.,  Dec.  21,  1757.  He  hved,  until  he  was  about 
seventeen  years  of  age,  in  almost  total  ignorance  of  divine 
things.  At  that  age,  hearing  that  there  was  a  reformation 
in  an  adjacent  town,  and  having  obtained  leave,  he  went  to 
meeting  there  on  a  certain  day,  to  learn  what  a  reformation 
was. 

When  he  came  to  the  place,  the  solemn  appearance  of  the 
people  most  sensibly  struck  him,  and  he  was  even  afraid  of 
them.  However,  urged  by  curiosity,  he  ventured  in,  but  was 
soon  overwhelmed  with  conscious  guilt,  and  went  home  con- 
vinced that  he  must  be  reformed,  or  sink  to  hell.  He  there- 
fore set  about  the  vvork  of  reformation  with  such  zeal,  that, 
in  a  few  days,  he  thought  himself  as  good  as  any  one.  But 
being  provoked  to  anger  by  the  unruly  conduct  of  a  beast 
with  which  he  was  at  work,  his  tongue  portrayed  the  mad- 
ness of  his  heart ;  a  sense  of  his  sinfulness  rolled  upon  him 
to  such  a  degree,  that  it  brought  him  to  the  ground  in  des- 
pair. His  good  opinion  of  himself  left  him  ;  his  anguish 
increased,  until,  slain  by  the  law  and  made  alive  by  divine 


BIOGRAPHIES DAVID  IRISH.  205 

grace,  he  rejoiced  in  Christ  as  his  righteousness,  his  strength, 
and  his  salvation.  He  had  now  his  duty  to  learn  from  the 
word  of  God  ;  and  being  convinced  that  he  ought  to  be  bap- 
tized, and  make  a  public  profession  of  religion,  he  united 
with  the  Baptist  church  in  Dover,  under  the  pastoral  care  of 
Eld.  Waldo.  In  1776  he  settled  himself  in  marriage.  In 
1782  he  removed  to  Stillwater,  and  joined  the  church  under 
the  care  of  Eld.  Lemuel  Powers.  It  was  soon  discovered 
that  he  had  a  gift  for  public  improvement,  which  was  not 
wholly  neglected.  He  did  not  immediately  engage  in  the 
work  of  the  ministry,  but  on  the  day  that  terminated  the 
thirtieth  year  of  his  life  he  preached  his  first  sermon.  In 
1789  he  removed  to  Lanesborough,  and  was  ordained  to  the 
work  of  the  gospel  ministry  in  the  summer  of  the  following 
year.  But  he  soon  found  it  necessary  to  return  to  Stillwater, 
where  he  continued  three  years,  preaching  and  administering 
the  ordinances  of  the  gospel. 

In  1794  he  removed  to  the  town  of  Scipio,  in  the  county 
of  Cayuga,  at  which  time  the  whole  county  was  almost  an 
entire  wilderness.  He  was  the  only  Baptist  minister  west 
of  Whitesboro  ;  and  the  field  of  his  labors  was  very  exten- 
sive. In  the  fall  of  that  year  there  was  a  church  established 
in  Scipio,  afterwards  denominated  the  first  church  in  Scipio, 
He  soon  afterwards  had  the  satisfaction  of  seeing  a  church 
arise  in  Aurelius,  a  town  adjoining,  to  which,  in  1800,  he 
removed,  and  continued  until  his  death,  which  took  place  on 
the  10th  of  September,  1815. 

Eld.  Irish  was  indefatigable  in  labor,  patient  of  fatigue, 
and  easily  surmounted  many  obstacles,  which  would  deter  one 
possessed  of  a  mind  less  resolute.  Those  who  are  unac- 
quainted with  the  state  of  new  and  thinly  inhabited  countries, 
can  not  form  an  idea  of  the  qualities  necessary  to  enable  a 
minister  of  Christ  to  plant  the  gospel  in  such  an  extensive 
region  as  was  traversed  by  this  valuable  man.  One  instance, 
which  may  serve  to  show  what  he  had  the  fortitude  and  per- 
severance to  go  through,  it  is  thought  proper  to  relate  :  In 
1799,  being  called,  with  some  of  his  brethren  of  the  church 
in  Scipio,  to  assist  in  organizing  a  church  in  Phelpstown,  the 
roads  at  that  time  being  totally  impassable  on  horseback,  by 
reason  of  a  great  depth  of  mud  and  snow,  he  encouraged  his 
brethren  to  undertake  to  travel  on  foot,  a  distance  of  thirty 
18 


205  BAPTIST    MISSIONARY  CONVENTION. 

miles,   which  all  but   one  accomplished.     He   traveled  veiy 
extensively  to  preach  the  gospel. 

There  are  but  few  places  in  the  State  of  New  York,  west 
of  Whitestown,  and  in  Upper  Canada,  where  his  name  is 
not  famihar.  He  manifested  a  zeal  in  the  missionary  cause, 
and  performed  several  missions  under  the  Massachusetts 
Baptist  Missionary  Society  to  their  acceptance.  In  his 
public  performances,  he  was  more  remarkable  for  his  solem- 
nity and  zeal,  than  for  his  depth  in  doctrine ;  yet  he  was  not 
considered,  by  his  acquaintance  in  general,  to  be  greatly 
deficient  in  doctrinal  knowledge.  He  had  many  bitter  ene- 
mies, and  many  warm  admirers.  His  enemies  were  often 
sanguine  in  their  hopes  of  destroying  his  character,  but  never 
succeeded  ;  and  his  friends  might  perhaps  in  some  instances 
carry  their  fondness  for  him  too  far.  The  only  papers  found 
after  his  death,  to  guide  the  writer  of  these  memoirs,  is  one 
containing  an  account  of  the  number  baptized  by  him  ;  by 
which  it  appears  that  he,  in  the  course  of  his  ministry,  bap- 
tized one  thousand  two  hundred  and  eighty  persons  ;  about 
eleven  hundred  of  whom  were  baptized  in  the  western  coun- 
try, after  his  removal  to  Scipio.  At  his  interment  an  appro- 
priate discourse  was  delivered  by  Eld.  John  Jeffries,  from 
Tim.  iv.  7,  8  :  "I  have  fought  a  good  fight,  I  have  finished 
my  course,  I  have  kept  the  faith  ;  henceforth  there  is  laid  up 
for  me  a  crown  of  righteousness,  which  the  Lord,  the  right- 
eous Judge,  shall  give  me  at  that  day  ;  and  not  to  me  only, 
but  unto  all  them  also  that  love  his  appearing." 


CALEB     DOUGLASS. 

Caleb  Douglass  was  born  in  the  city  of  New  London, 
Conn.,  Feb.  11,  1756,  being  the  third  son  of  John  and  Esther 
Douglass,  who  were  pious  and  respectable  people.  At  the 
age  of  four  years  his  parents  removed  about  five  miles  into 
the  country,  where  he  received  such  an  education  as  was 
common  in  those  days.  From  his  youth  he  was  at  times  the 
subject  of  serious  impressions.  Of  his  religious  exercises, 
and  the  events  of  his  life  up  to  the  thirty-second  year  of  his 
age,  the  following  brief  sketch  from  his  own  pen  furnishes 
he  only  account  we  have  been  able  to  obtain  : 


'  BIOGRAPHIES — CALEB    DOUGLASS.  207 

^<  In  my  twentieth  year  a  revival  of  religion  commenced 
in  the  place  of  my  residence,  and  some  of  my  associates 
were  brought  to  the  knowledge  of  the  truth.  At  this  time 
my  mind  was  more  powerfully  affected  than  ever  before  with 
the  concerns  of  my  immortal  soul.  Those  impressions  con- 
tinued for  several  weeks,  but  at  length  subsided,  and  left  me 
still  destitute  of  a  hope  in  Christ.  From  my  childhood  I  had 
gradually  flattered  myself  that  I  should  have  time  enough  on 
a  sick-bed  to  repent ;  thinking  that  the  near  approach  of 
death  would  be  calculated  to  awaken  my  attention  to  the 
importance  of  being  prepared  for  that  solemn  event.  In 
1776  I  had  an  opportunity  to  learn  the  deceptive  character 
of  that  dangerous  and  fraudulent  sentiment ;  for  during  a 
severe  sickness,  in  which  my  life  was  not  expected  from  day 
to  day,  I  was  perfectly  stupid  as  to  the  concerns  of  my  soul, 
notwithstanding  a  brother  died  of  the  same  disease. 

"In  1777  I  was  married  to  Bethiah,  daughter  of  Jonathan 
and  Elizabeth  Chapel.  February,  1779,  myself,  my  wife, 
and  child,  being  confined  with  the  small-pox,  my  attention 
was  called  to  the  welfare  of  my  soul,  and  I  resolved,  that,  if 
my  life  were  spared,  I  would  live  differently.  A  few  weeks 
after  my  recovery  I  apprehended  that  something  peculiar  was 
to  take  place.  The  world  lost  its  power  to  charm,  and  I  felt 
the  attractions  of  the  house  of  God.  Although  I  lived  six 
miles  from  the  meeting  which  I  preferred  to  attend,  I  deemed 
it  no  burden  to  walk  that  distance  every  Sabbath.  It  was  a 
time  of  general  stupidity  even  among  professors  of  religion, 
I  endeavored  as  much  as  possible  to  conceal  my  feelings  from 
every  human  being.  I  supposed  myself  to  be  entirely  alone 
in  my  exercises,  as  I  knew  of  no  person  in  the  town  who  was 
under  serious  impressions.  One  Sabbath  morning,  having 
concluded  not  to  attend  meeting  as  usual,  after  it  was  too 
late  to  reverse  my  decision,  I  had  many  distressing  reflec- 
tions, and  feared  that  my  having  neglected  one  of  the  means 
of  grace  might  decide  my  case  for  eternity. 

"  While  under  these  impressions,  a  friend  sent  me  informa- 
tion that  the  Rev.  Daniel  Miner  was  to  preach  a  funeral  ser- 
mon that  day,  four  miles  distant.  I  cheerfully  joined  him, 
and  went  to  hear  that  man  of  God.  For  several  weeks  pre- 
vious time  had  appeared  very  short,  eternity  just  at  hand,  a 
preparation  for  death  and  judgment  of  the  greatest  moment. 


208  BAPTIST   MISSIONARY    CONVENTION. 

The  sermon  was  attended  with  the  influence  of  the  Divine 
Spirit ;  and  such  was  my  distress  during  service,  that  it  was 
with  difficulty  that  I  could  refrain  from  crying  aloud.  I 
went  home  with  an  increased  sense  of  guilt,  and  the  follow- 
ing evening,  for  the  first  time,  disclosed  the  anxiety  of  my 
mind  to  my  wife,  who,  about  two  years  after,  becam.e  a  hope- 
ful subject  of  Divine  gi*ace.  I  sought  with  redoubled  solici- 
tude to  obtain  religion  ;  had  clearer  views  of  my  Vv'ickedness 
and  the  depravity  of  my  heart.  I  remained  in  much  the 
•ame  state  of  mind  for  several  weeks.  During  tliis  period  I 
\tad  peculiar  impressions  to  visit  a  brother,  who  lived  about 
three  miles  distant ;  and  I  trust  the  Lord  blessed  the  inter- 
view to  his  soul,  as  he  soon  after  obtained  a  hope  in  Christy 
Not  far  from  this  time,  another,  who  visited  me,  returned  with 
serious  impressions,  and  shortly  after  was  brought  into  the 
liberty  of  the  gospel.  After  several  months'  distress  I  was 
relieved  by  meditating  upon  the  pascal  lamb,  as  typical  of 
*  the  Lamb  of  God,  who  taketh  away  the  sin  of  the  world.' 
A  few  weeks  after,  I  united  with  the  Separatists,  in  Lyme> 
Conn.,  under  the  pastoral  care  of  Eld.  Daniel  Miner ;  andy 
following  the  tradition  of  my  fathers,  without  examining  the 
subject  of  baptism,  had  my  child  sprinkled. 

"Oct.,  179&,  removed  to  Middletown,  Conn.,  and  joined  a 
church  of  the  same  order.  A  number  of  the  brethren,  living 
in  the  same  vicinity,  and  remote  from  the  body  of  the  churchy 
maintained  meetings  in  my  neighborhood  during  the  winter 
season,  and  for  a  considerable  time  I  attended  only  as  a  hear- 
er. But  after  severe  trials  for  several  weeks,  I  was  con» 
strained  to  take  an  active  part  in  exhortation  and  prayer.^ 
In  so  doing  I  obtained  deliverance,  and  went  on  my  way  re- 
joicing. I  remained  in  this  place  more  than  five  years,  and 
continued  to  enjoy  the  consolations  of  religion  most  of  the 
time.  In  1785  I  removed  to  Sandersfield,  Mass.,  where  I 
found  myself  in  a  very  destitute  region.  No  religious  de- 
nomination maintained  public  worship  within  seven  miles* 
In  these  circumstances  I  felt  irresistibly  urged,  with  one  other 
individual,  to  establish  a  meeting.  In  conducting  divine 
worship,  I  endeavored,  as  far  as  I  was  able,  to  instruct  the 
people,  without  entertaining  the  thought  of  ever  attempting- 
to  preach.  Through  many  trials  and  discouragements,  our 
meetings  were  continued  a.bout  two   years.     Not  far  from 


BIOGRAPHIES CALEB    DOUGLASS.  209 

this  time  the  health  of  my  wife  became  seriously  impaired, 
and  she  sunk  into  a  fatal  decline,  which  terminated  her  earthly 
existence  on  the  19th  day  of  August,  1788." 

With  this  mournful  event  his  memorandum  closes.  In 
1789  he  was  married  to  Sarah,  daughter  of  Daniel  Hall,  of 
Meriden,  Conn.  He  continued  his  public  exercises,  but  en- 
dured severe  trials  in  relation  to  baptism,  especially  when 
those  who  had  experienced  religion  under  his  improvements 
questioned  him  on  the  subject.  He  removed  to  Whitesboro, 
N.  Y.,  1791.  After  a  full  investigation,  he  became  thoroughly 
convinced  of  the  invalidity  of  infant  sprinkling,  and  of  the 
correctness  of  the  sentiments  maintained  by  the  Baptist  de- 
nomination respecting  the  ordinances  of  the  gospel.  Under 
the  influence  of  these  views,  he  joyfully  received  the  sacred 
rite  at  the  hand  of  Eld.  Stephen  Parsons,  1796,  being  one  of 
the  first  persons  ever  baptized  in  Whitestown.  Not  far  from 
this  time  a  Baptist  church  was  formed  in  the  village  of 
Whitesboro,  of  which  he  became  a  member.  Although  at 
its  organization  this  little  branch  of  Zion  consisted  of  but 
seven  individuals,  he  lived  to  see  it  embrace  more  than  three 
hundred  members.  In  1799  he  was  chosen  deacon  of  said 
church  ;  was  subsequently  called  to  the  exercise  of  his  min- 
isterial gifts :  and  on  the  7th  of  January,  1802,  was  set 
apart,  by  ordination,  to  the  work  of  the  gospel  ministry. 
Eld.  Stephen  Parsons,  Hezekiah  Eastman,  and  John  Stevens, 
officiated  on  the  occasion. 

In  1803  he  yielded  to  the  earnest  solicitations  of  his  breth- 
ren, and  consented  to  take  the  pastoral  charge  of  the  church 
in  Whitesboro,  which  he  continued  to  do  with  fidelity  and 
success  till  1816,  when  he  was  succeeded  by  Eld.  Galusha. 
This  transfer  of  his  pastoral  responsibilities,  which  was  at 
nis  own  instance,  and  effected  by  his  own  persevering  efforts, 
neither  abated  his  activity  nor  his  usefulness.  While,  as  a 
nursing  father,  his  zeal  for  the  welfare  of  the  church  at  home 
was  not  ^diminished,  his  evangelical  labors  in  destitute 
neighborhoods,  and  among  feeble  churches  abroad,  were 
more  abundant.  Thus  he  spent  eight  happy  years,  making 
glad  the  hearts  of  many,  and  rejoicing  in  the  increasing 
prosperity  of  the  dear  church  with  whose  interests  the  ten- 
derest  sympathies  of  his  soul  were  interwoven. 

At  times  his  cup  of  blessing  seemed  to  overflow,  while  he 
18* 


210  BAPTIST   MISSIONARY    CONVENTION. 

saw  his  beloved  children  and  grand-children  bowing  to  the 
sceptre  of  mercy.  On  one  occasion  he  had  the  unspeakable 
satisfaction  of  seeing  one  of  his  daughters  and  four  of  her 
children  buried  with  Christ  in  baptism  ;  and  from  their  sub- 
sequent conduct  derived  abundant  evidence  that  they  had 
risen  in  newness  of  life.  But  his  cup  was  not  entirely  un- 
mingled.  While,  with  the  rapid  increase  and  uninterrupted 
harmony  of  the  church,  as  well  as  in  the  conversion  of  his 
own  offspring,  his  soul  was  delighted^  the  laxity  of  habits, 
the  want  of  liberality  and  punctuality  in  many  of  the  pro- 
fessed disciples  of  Christ,  often  distressed  him.  He  was  also 
the  subject  of  considerable  bodily  affliction. 

At  one  time  he  was  brought  to  the  verge  of  the  grave ► 
All  hope  of  his  recovery  was  abandoned.  He  set  his  house 
in  order,  committed  himself  into  the  hands  of  God,  and  with 
great  calmness  of  mind  and  firmness  of  hope  waited  for  the 
signal  of  his  departure.  But  just  as  he  was  about  to  wave 
a  final  adieu  to  all  sublunary  things,  the  Lord  rebuked  the 
disease,  and  bade  him  return  to  life  and  health.  His  respite 
from  the  pains  of  the  flesh  was  not,  however,  of  very  long 
continuance.  In  February,  1824,  he  was  attacked  with  a 
violent  inflammation  of  the  eyes,  which  rendered  him  a  contin- 
ual sufferer  during  the  remainder  of  his  days.  The  tempo- 
ral interests  of  his  numerous  family,  the  youngest  of  whom 
was  advancing  toward  manhood,  rendered  it  expedient  in  his 
view  to  change  his  location,  and  in  September  follov/ing  he 
removed  to  Gorham,  Ontario  Co.,  N.  Y. 

Of  the  subsequent  scenes  of  his  mortal  life,  the  following 
account  is  furnished  by  his  affectionate  daughters : 

" The  inflammation  in  his  eyes  increased  till  total  bline- 
ness  ensued.  The  change  from  a  life  of  activity  to  confine- 
ment, together  with  the  tendency  of  his  disease,  produced  an 
extreme  nervous  affection,  and  a  consequent  depression  of 
spirits.  Aug.,  1830,  he  was  called  to  part  with  his  dear 
companion,  the  solace  of  his  declining  years,  who  possessed 
a  kindred  spirit  with  his  own.  This  was  an  unexpected  trial, 
but  he  felt  to  say,  '  It  is  the  Lord,  let  him  do  what  seemeth 
him  good.'  He  expected  soon  to  follow  her,  and  realized  the 
importance  of  being  in  actual  readiness  to  receive  the  sum- 
mons. His  situation  seldom  allowed  of  visiting  the  house  of 
God,  but  he  was  occasionally  favored  witli  the  preaching  of 
;he  gospel  in  his  own  house. 


BIOGRAPHIES — CALEB    DOUGLASS.  21 1 

"  To  prevent  his  mind  preying  upon  itself,  and  to  dissipate 
the  gloom  in  which  it  was  enveloped  by  a  seclusion  from  the 
pleasures  of  society,  and  from  the  light  of  day,  he  engaged  in 
domestic  labors,  related  Bible  anecdotes  to  his  little  grand- 
children, and  employed  them  in  reading  to  him  the  word  of 
life.  One  of  these  little  ones  read  the  New  Testament  en- 
tirely through  in  his  hearing  six  times.  At  intervals  he 
enjoyed  the  Divine  presence,  but  most  of  the  time  complained 
of  darkness.  He  often  expressed  his  gratitude  to  God  that 
he  was  never  left  to  despair. 

"In  Feb»,  1832,  during  a  protracted  meeting,  which  he 
was  enabled  to  attend  a  part  of  the  time,  many  souls  were 
hopefully  brought  to  the  knowledge  of  the  Savior,  among 
whom  were  his  two  youngest  children,  who  soon  united  with 
the  Baptist  church  in  that  place.  The  other  ten  had  previ- 
ously entertained  a  hope^  and  nine  of  them  were  professors. 
He  then  felt  to  adopt  the  language  of  Simeon,  '  Now  lettest 
thou  thy  servant  depart  in  peace,  for  mine  eyes  have  seen 
thy  salvation.'  From  this  time  he  enjoyed  nrore  of  the  pre- 
senee  of  his  Redeemer,  and  felt  an  unshaken  reliance  on  the 
promises  of  God.  From  the  commencement  of  the  disease 
in  his  eyes,  his  bodily  sufferings  were  severe,  and  continued 
to  increase  till  they  were  terminated  by  death, 

"From  the  15th  of  May,  1833,  he  was  almost  entirely 
confined  to  his  bed^  and  gradually  failed  till  Sept.  22,  when 
he  was  attacked  by  the  malady  which  closed  his  earthly 
career.  His  last  days  were  those  of  excessive  suffering. 
But  his  patience  was  remarkable.  He  contemplated  his  ap- 
proaching dissolution  with  perfect  composure,  and  seemed 
fully  conscious  that  his  hope  was  well  founded." 

His  disease  progressed  rapidly,  and  on  Sept.  27,  1833,  he 
"fell  asleep."  His  funeral  sermon  was  preached  on  the  fol- 
lowing day,  by  Eld.  John  Peck,  of  Cazenovia,  an  intimate 
friend  of  the  bereaved  family,  and  for  many  years  a  beloved 
fellow-laborer  with  the  deceased.  It  was  regarded  by  the 
afflicted  relatives  as  a  special  favor  of  their  heavenly  Father, 
that  a  minister  of  Jesus  Christ,  so  particularly  acquainted 
with  their  departed  sire,  and  so  much  endeared  to  him  and 
to  them,  should  have  been  providentially  present  on  the  sol- 
emn occasion,  to  bedew  the  death-bed  of  that  venerable  ser- 
vant of  God  with  generous  tears,  and  place  the  kiss  of  affec- 


212  BAPTIST   MISSIONARY  CONVENTION. 

tion  upon  his  cold  cheek — to  assuage  the  grief  of  the  mourn- 
ers by  his  tenderest  sympathies,  and  to  impart  to  them  pre- 
cious consolations  from  the  word  of  life. 

A  father  in  Israel  has  fallen  ;  but  faithful  memory  will 
embalm  him.  He  has  left  a  numerous  posterity  to  bewail 
him  ;  but  they  mourn  not  as  those  who  have  no  hope.  He 
had  an  extensive  circle  of  relatives  who  survive  him,  besides 
twelve  children,  seventy-two  grand-children,  and  twenty-five 
great-grand-children  ;  total  one  hundred  and  nine.  All  his 
children,  and  twenty  of  his  grand-children,  cherish  a  hope  of 
salvation  through  the  blood  of  Christ ;  and  all  except  one  of 
these  have  publicly  consecrated  themselves  to  the  service  of 
God,  in  the  Baptist  communion.  How  unspeakable  the 
blessing  which  that  patriarch  must  have  enjoyed,  as  the  time 
of  his  exit  approached.  Just  as  he  was  about  to  close  his 
eyes  upon  every  terrestrial  object,  he  saw  his  twelve  children 
all  embraced  in  the  ark  of  safety,  and  cherished  the  fond 
hope  of  hailing  them  hereafter  upon  the  banks  of  everlasting 
deliverance.  How  incomparably  preferable  such  a  privilege 
to  that  of  leaving  them  in  the  possession  of  millions.  Oh  ! 
let  me  not  only  "  die  the  death  of  the  righteous,"  but  let  my 
dying  couch  be  moistened  by  the  tears  and  hallowed  by  the 
prayers  of  pious  children. — We  should  do  injustice  to  the 
claims  of  departed  worth,  as  well  as  to  those  of  surviving 
friends,  and  the  Christian  church,  if  we  were  not  to  give  at 
least  a  brief  sketch  of  the  character  of  our  lamented  father 
in  Zion. 

His  virtues  were  not  few,  nor  were  his  faults  numerous. 
In  whatever  relation  or  respect  we  contemplate  him,  we  shall 
find  many  things  to  approve,  somewhat  to  admire,  and  very 
little  to  deplore.  As  a  man^  he  was  above  everything  sordid, 
and  "provided  things  honest  in  the  sight  of  all  men."  His 
morality  was  pure,  and  his  principles  inflexible.  He  united 
consistency,  energy,  and  stability  of  character.  He  was 
unaspiring  and  unpretending,  yet  independent  and  decided, 
in  his  opinions.  As  he  was  exceedingly  careful  not  to  tres- 
pass upon  the  rights  of  others,  he  was  proportionably  wounded 
by  an  encroachment  upon  his.  But  while  he  retained  a  deep 
sense  of  injuries  received,  and  expressed  the  strongest  disap- 
probation of  the  conduct  of  those  by  whom  they  were  inflict- 
ed, he  was  far  from  indulging  a  spirit  of  retaliation.     He 


BIOGRAPHIES CALEB    DOUGLASS.  213 

was  remarkably  grateful  for  favors,  and  always  cherished  the 
most  kindly  recollection  of  his  benefactors.  He  was  justly 
admired  for  his  signal  hospitality,  and  universally  esteemed 
as  a  citizen  and  a  neighbor. 

Notwithstanding  his  early  education  was  very  limited,  and 
his  mind  never  highly  cultivated,  yet,  being  possessed  of 
natural  talents  above  mediocrity,  and  seeking  information 
with  more  than  common  avidity,  he  acquired  a  very  respect- 
able fund  of  knowledge.  This  was  principally  of  a  practical 
character,  but  not  therefore  the  less  valuable  in  its  results. 
Entering  the  ministry  at  a  period  in  life  when  he  was  encum- 
bered with  the  expenses  of  a  family,  and  receiving  but  a 
pittance  for  his  public  services,  he  was  of  necessity  still  a 
man  of  business.  And,  as  such,  he  was  a  pattern  of  industry 
frugality,  and  economy.  His  original  occupation  was  that 
of  a  mechanic.  But  the  labors  of  the  shop  were  exchanged 
for  those  of  the  field.  He  was  systematic  and  energetic  in 
all  his  movements. 

Being  uniformly  accustomed  to  early  rising,  he  found  no 
occasion  for  toiling  at  unseasonable  hours.  He  aimed  at 
doing  everything  at  the  right  time,  and  in  the  best  manner. 
His  rule  of  order  was,  "  A  place  for  everything,  and  every- 
thing in  its  place."  Although  a  large  portion  of  his  active 
life  was  devoted  to  the  duties  of  the  ministry,  while  he  com- 
municated and  taught  his  children  to  communicate  freely  to 
the  necessities  of  others,  still,  by  his  prudence  and  perseve- 
rance, the  industry  of  his  family,  and  the  blessing  of  Heaven, 
he  rose  from  poverty  to  a  considerable  degree  of  affluence, 
and  left  all  his  children  in  the  possession  of  a  competency  of 
this  world's  goods,  as  well  as  spiritual  treasures. 

In  speaking  of  the  manner  in  which  he  discharged  his  rela- 
tive duties,  it  is  but  just  to  say  that  his  fraternal,  conjugal, 
and  parental,  relations,  were  all  sustained  with  fidelity  and 
tenderness.  As  a  brother,  his  example,  his  counsel,  and  his 
kindness,  greatly  endeared  him  to  his  brethren,  two  of  whom 
appear  to  have  been  awakened  by  his  admonitions,  and  event- 
ually embraced  a  hope  of  salvation.  As  a  husband,  he  was 
affectionate  and  faithful.  He  anticipated  the  wants  and 
regarded  the  wishes  of  his  companion.  He  identified  her 
character,  her  interests,  and  her  happiness,  with  his  own. 
His  absence  was  always  a  subject  of  regret,  and  his  presence 


214  BAPTIST    MISSIONARY    CONVENTION. 

ever  an  occasion  of  joy.  As  a  father,  he  was  kind  and 
indulgent.  To  some  his  government  might  have  appeared 
rigid,  but  its  influence  was  kindly,  and  its  happy  results  com- 
mend it  to  all.  He  was  aware  that  the  insubordination  of 
children  is  ruin — that  undue  indulgence  is  so  far  from  in- 
creasing their  attachment  to  parents,  that  it  saps  the  very 
foundation  of  filial  respect  and  love.  He  watched  over  the 
conduct  of  his  offspring  with  deep  solicitude,  and  often  car- 
ried them  to  the  mercy-seat  in  the  arms  of  faith  and  prayer. 
His  timely  instructions  and  admonitions  were  taken  from 
lessons  of  experience  and  the  word  of  God.  The  salutary 
habits,  unsullied  reputation,  and  animating  prospects,  of  all 
his  children,  proved  an  ample  reward  of  all  his  parental 
anxieties,  labors,  and  prayers. 

As  a  Christian,  he  had  much  decision  of  character,  ardor 
of  zeal,  and  perseverance  of  effort.  The  subject  of  religion 
was  the  principal  theme  of  his  conversation,  and  its  promo- 
tion the  paramount  object  of  his  pursuit.  We  have  known 
but  iQ\Y  who  were  more  ready  to  sacrifice  private  interest  to 
public  good.  He  was  emphatically  a  man  of  prayer  ;  and 
the  burden  of  his  supplications  was,  "  Thy  kingdom  come." 
His  attachment  to  the  cause  of  Christ  was  inviolate  and 
immutable.  He  could  adopt  the  language  of  David,  and  say, 
"  If  I  forget  thee.  Oh  !  Jerusalem,  let  my  right  hand  forget 
her  cunning.  If  I  do  not  remember  thee,  let  my  tongue 
cleave  to  the  roof  of  my  mouth ;  if  I  prefer  not  Jerusalem 
above  my  chief  joy."  He  was  proverbial  for  his  punctuality, 
both  in  the  intercourse  of  business  and  the  duties  of  religion — 
a  virtue  which  is  as  valuable  as  it  is  rare.  He  considered 
all  the  appointments  of  the  church  as  sacred,  and  allowed  no 
secular  interest  to  interfere  with  them.  We  could  most  de- 
voutly wish  that  his  example  in  this  respect  were  more  gen- 
erally copied  by  church-members.  It  would  greatly  encourage 
the  heart  and  strengthen  the  hands  of  pastors,  and  equally  pro- 
mote the  harmony,  love,  and  the  practical  piety,of  the  churcheF. 

As  a  deacon^  he  "  magnified  his  office."  Instead  of  regar- 
ding it  as  merely  nominal,  as  we  have  reason  to  fear  many 
do,  he  was  conscious  that  it  involved  high  responsibilities 
and  imposed  most  important  duties.  In  that  department 
he  was  vigilant,  active,  and  extensively  useful.  He  sought 
out  and  relieved  the  wants  of  the  poor,  administered  comfort 


BIOGRAPHIES CALEB    DOUGLASS.  215 

to  the  sick,  urged  the  claims,  seconded  the  efforts,  and  sus- 
tained the  influence,  of  the  minister,  and  sought  to  promote 
the  spirituality  and  prosperity  of  the  whole  church.     Such 
a  deacon  is  a  treasure   to  the  people  of  God,  and  has   his 
record  on  high.     May  the  Lord  give  us  many  such  !     For 
the  want  of  them  Zion  languishes  ;  the  unruly  are  not  sub- 
dued ;  backsliders  depart  farther  and  farther  from  duty  ;  the 
poor  and  the  afflicted  are  unrelieved  ;  ministers  are  neglected 
and  discouraged  ;  and  in  many  instances  the  candlestick  is 
removed  out  of  its  place.     As  a  minister  of  the  gospel,  he 
was  firm  and  faithful,  but  unusually   retiring.     Deeply  im- 
pressed  with  the  dignity  and  sanctity  of  the  office,  sensible 
of  the  deficiency  of  his  education,  and  diffident  of  his  abili- 
ties, he  shrunk  from  its  responsibilities,  and  would  probably 
never  have  assumed  it  but  for  the  earnest  solicitations  of  the 
church,  by  whom  his  qualifications  were  more  justly  appre- 
ciated.    Having  with  trembling  submitted  to  public  ordina- 
tion, and  feeling  pressed  by  the  weight  of  obligation  connec- 
ted  with  that  solemn  consecration,  he  seized  upon  every 
facility,  the  better  to  prepare  himself  for  the   duties  of  his 
high  vocation.     By  religious  intercourse,  the  aid  of  judicious 
authors,  and  a  prayerful  investigation  of  the  sacred  scrip- 
tures, he  acquired  an  accurate  and  thorough  knowledge  of  the 
doctrines    and   duties   embraced   in  the  Christian  system. 
Considering  the  amount  of  secular  business  with  which  he 
was  encumbered,  his  reading  was  somewhat  extensive,  prin- 
cipally of  a  theological  and  historical  kind,  rarely  miscella- 
neous.    The  writings  of  Gill,  Fuller,  Booth,  Boston,  Baxter, 
and  Mosheim,  were  very  conspicuous  in  his  small  but  well- 
selected   library;  and   with   these  he   was   quite   famiHar. 
While  he  found  many  things   in  each  of  these  authors  to 
admire,  and  was  very  partial  to  some  of  the  productions  of 
Gill,  his  doctrinal  views  were  evidently  coincident  with  those 
of  the  evangelical  Fuller.     In  his  public  ministry  he  exalted 
the  sovereign  grace  of  God  in  the  salvation  of  sinners,  but 
insisted  alike  upon  strict  obedience  to  the  cross  of  Christ ; 
nor  did  he  fail  to  season  his  discourses  with  the  sweets  of 
Christian  experience. 

As  a  preacher,  he  exhibited  more  of  a  sound  judgment  and 
a  warm  heaft  than  of  a  lively  imagination.  His  manner 
was  plain,  ardent,  and  solemn.     In  prayer  he  was  copious. 


216  BAPTIST    MISSIONARY    COTs'VENTION. 

appropriate,  and  impressive.  In  discipline  he  was  prompt 
and  decisive.  His  admonitions  were  in  general  timely  and 
faithful ;  but  his  violent  opposition  to  evil  and  his  (Jangerous 
temperament  sometimes  betrayed  him  into  severity. 

As  a  pastor,  he  was  vigilant  and  affectionate,  attentive  to 
the  sick,  and  kind  to  the  poor.  Such  was  his  liberality,  that, 
to  these,  and  to  the  cause  of  benevolence,  he  gave  more  than 
the  whole  amount  which  he  received  for  ministerial  services. 
Relying  upon  his  own  industry  and  the  blessing  of  God  for 
temporal  support,  he  succored  many  of  the  saints,  and  his 
house  was  the  stranger's  home. 

There  remains  yet  unnoticed  one  trait  in  the  character  of 
Eld.  Douglass,  which  deserves  to  be  set  in  bold  relief.  Adis- 
iNTERESTEDNEss  which  is  justly  comparable  to  that  displayed 
by  the  ancient  Baptist,  when,  without  envy  or  mortification, 
he  said  of  him  by  whom  he  was  to  be  superseded,  "  He  must 
increase,  but  I  must  decrease."  There  is  something  in  this 
disposition  so  opposite  to  that  which  reigns  in  the  unsancti- 
fied,  selfish  heart,  that  renders  it  as  difficult  of  acquisition  as 
it  is  noble  in  its  nature.  That  man  must  have  a  signal 
degree  of  grace,  who,  for  the  general  good,  can  voluntarily 
hide  himself  in  the  shade  of  another.  Yet  such  an  attain- 
ment is  exceedingly  desirable,  as  it  is  one  of  the  crowning 
excellencies  of  the  Christian  religion,  which  sheds  a  lustre 
on  the  Savior's  character,  and  is  admirably  adapted  to  the 
happiness  and  usefulness  of  the  individual  who  is  thus  exalted. 
Such  was  the  high  privilege  of  the  worthy  servant  of  God 
who  is  the  subject  of  these  remarks.  Like  the  sun  setting  in 
a  cloudless  sky,  he  shone  most  brilliantly  when  retiring  from 
the  pastoral  office.  He  was  the  first  to  propose  that  step. 
He  saw  a  generation  come  up  around  him,  possessed  of  ad- 
vantages of  education  altogether  superior  to  those  which  he 
had  enjoyed.  He  perceived  that  the  state  of  society  was 
vastly  changed,  and  judged  that  a  younger  man,  of  different 
attainments,  would  be  better  adapted  to  the  interests  of  that 
community  than  himself.  He  fixed  his  mind  on  a  brother 
whom  he  deemed  qualified  for  the  station,  urged  the  church 
to  obtain  him,  and  made  personal  efforts  and  sacrifices  to 
effect  the  object.  Having  succeeded  in  getting  that  brother 
upon  the  ground,  he  procured  for  him  a  comfortable  settle- 
ment, resigned  to  him  the  pastoral  charge,  and  continued  to 


BIOGRAPHIES CALEB    DOUGLASS,       ^  217 

act  as  one  of  his  warmest  advocates  and  liberal  supix)rters. 
During  the  first  year  of  his  labors,  he  contributed  more  for 
his  support  than  he  had  himself  received  from  the  whole 
congregation  any  preceding  year.  So  far  from  being  moved 
to  envy,  when  he  saw  the  hearts  of  the  people  turning 
towards  the  young  pastor,  he  was  constantly  provoking  them 
to  love  him,  spreading  the  mantle  of  charity  over  his  faults, 
and  using  every  proper  means  to  increase  his  influence  at 
home  and  abroad. 

He  never  administered  advice  to  him  in  a  dictatorial  man- 
ner,  but  always  with  parental  tenderness.  He  watched  over 
and  cherished  all  the  interests  of  his  junior  brother  with 
unceasing  kindness,  and  greatly  rejoiced  in  his  increasing 
prosperity  and  usefulness.  By  such  a  magnanimous  and  disin° 
terested  course  of  conduct,  he  not  only  secured  the  lasting 
gratitude  and  love  of  him  whose  usefulness  and  happiness  he 
thus  promoted,  and  procured  the  smiles  of  an  approving  con- 
science and  an  approving  God,  but,  by  strengthening  the 
b:inds  of  union  in  the  church  of  Christ,  and  consecrating  his 
heart  and  all  his  influence  to  the  advancement  of  the  Re- 
deemer's kingdom,  he  has  deeply  entrenched  himself  in  the 
hearts  of  the  saints,  and  entailed  a  blessing  on  his  memory 
which  will  accompany  it  to  his  latest  posterity. 

How  unamiable  is  the  conduct,  and  how  unenviable  the 
lot,  of  that  minister  in  like  circumstances,  whose  conduct 
forms  a  perfect  contrast  with  thi^  noble  example.  Regard. 
less  of  the  march  of  improvement,  either  stationary  or  retro- 
grade, he  holds  on  upon  his  pastoral  charge,  till  the  church, 
to  preserve  its  own  existence,  or  to  prevent  the  young,  enter- 
prising, and  well-informed,  of  the  congregation  from  aban- 
doning their  place  of  worship,  is  constrained  to  obtain  a  more 
efficient  and  enlightened  minister  ;  then  he  ascribes  the  con- 
duct of  the  church  to  pride  and  popularity ;  looks  with  an 
anxious  eye  upon  his  successor,  magnifies  his  faults,  miscon- 
strues his  nvotives,  indulges  a  spirit  of  jealousy  and  detrac- 
tion, tells  how  little  he  requires  for  preaching,  (perhaps 
nothing,)  and  what  a  salary  "  this  proud  youngman"  demands ; 
careful  not  to  state  that  he  himself  owns  a  farm  well-stocked, 
is  driving  bargains,  growing  rich,  and  laboring  in  the  field 
six  days  in  the  week,  fostering  and  increasing  his  own  flock, 
while  the  flock  of  God  is  scattered,  and  torn,  and  bleeding, 
19 


218  BAPTIST    MISSIONARY  CONV^ENTION. 

and  his  impenitent  neighbors  are  rushing  on  to  perdition^ 
unheeded  and  unadmonished.  Although  the  brother  by  whom- 
he  is  superseded  may  give  himself  wholly  to  the  ministry, 
studying,  visiting,  preaching,  praying,  conversing,  and 
abounding  in  the  work  of  the  Lord  seven  days  in  the  week^ 
while  he  receives  but  a  scanty  support,  he  charges  him  with 
laziness,  love  of  money,  priestcraft,  and  robbery,  and  seems 
to  delight  in  counteracting  his  influence,  and  distracting,  if 
not  destroying,  the  church  over  which  he  presides.  Could 
tears  tarnish  the  lustre  of  heaven,  the  sainted  Douglass  would 
still  weep  over  such  an  unlovely  scene. 

He  was  a  warm  friend  of  ministerial  education — -was  one 
of  the  founders  of  the  Hamilton  seminary — continued  its 
decided  advocate  and  supporter  through  life,  and  gave  a  dying 
pledge  of  his  undying  interest  in  its  prosperity.  While  we 
ardently  desire  that  older  ministers  may  tread  in  his  steps, 
we  as  devoutly  pray  that  our  young  Elishas  may  wear  the 
mantle  and  breathe  the  spirit  of  this  departed  Elijah.  But 
we  would  that  others  should  follow  him  only  wherein  he  fol- 
lowed Christ.  We  are  far  from  claiming  perfection  for  this 
dear  servant  of  God,  and  as  far  from  being  blind  to  his 
faults.  Full  well  we  know  that  sin,  which  has  shaded  the 
fairest  scenes  and  polluted  the  purest  joys  of  earthy  has  also 
marred  the  loveliest  visage  and  sullied  the  brightest  virtues 
of  the  sons  of  God. 

Eld.  Douglass  had  his  share  of  human  frailty.  Under 
trials  he  was  sometimes  impatient ;  under  provocations 
somewhat  irritable  ;  and  toward  those  who  differed  from  him 
in  sentiment  or  practice,  his  feelings  were  rather  rigid.  But 
so  prominent  and  so  numerous  were  his  redeeming  qualities, 
that  in  the  eye  of  charity  his  imperfections  were  almost 
annihilated,  and  by  the  atoning  blood  of  the  Savior  they 
were  blotted  out  forever. 

We  have  pursued  him  in  life,  and  found  him  diligent  in 
business,  fervent  in  spirit,  serving  the  Lord.  We  have  fol- 
lowed him  through  the  furnace  of  affliction,  and  seen  him 
"  glorify  God  in  the  fire."  We  have  witnessed  his  conflict 
with  the  last  enemy,  and  seen  him  bear  away  the  palm  of 
victory  to  the  world  of  glory.  And  now,  while  his  rapt 
spirit  reposes  on  the  bosom  of  God,  let  us  aspire  to  equal 
usefulness  in  life,  triumph  in  death,  and  rest  in  heaven. 


BIOGRAPHIES JONATHAN    FERRIS.  219 


JONATHAN     FERRIS. 

'*  Oh  !  Jonathan,  thou  wast  slain  in  thy  high  places.  I 
am  distressed  for  thee,  my  brother  Jonathan  ;  very  pleasant 
hast  thou  been  unto  me  !" 

Religion,  in  its  operations  on  the  human  mind,  is  designed 
to  produce  a  portrait  of  the  Divine  character  ;  and  in  what 
•can  we  more  clearly  discover  the  lovely  perfections  of  our 
adorable  Savior,  than  in  the  virtuous  and  upright  lives  of  his 
dear  children  in  this  world  ?  In  reviewing  the  conduct  of 
those  who  have  appeared  eminent  in  piety,  and  have  now 
taken  their  departure  into  the  eternal  world,  the  religious 
traits  in  their  character  shine  forth  in  the  most  vivid  color, 
and  produce  a  fascinating  effect  on  the  mind  of  the  observer, 
and  imperceptibly  lead  to  the  great  Fountain  of  all  moral 
beauty.  Examples  produce  greater  effects  than  precepts. 
For  this  reason  the  spirit  of  inspiration  has  favored  us  with 
the  previous  traits  in  the  lives  of  holy  men  of  old.  The  ex- 
ample is  worthy  of  imitation ;  for  "  the  righteous  shall  be 
had  in  everlasting  remembrance." 

Eld.  Jonathan  Ferris  was  the  son  of  Dea.  Israel  Ferris, 
and  was  born  in  Stamford,  Dutchess  Co.,  N.  Y.,  on  the  25th 
of  April,  1778.  From  a  child  he  was  a  subject  of  serious 
impressions.  He  at  length  obtained  a  satisfactory  evidence 
of  his  adoption,  and  in  the  year  1796  was  baptized  by  Eld. 
Elkanah  Holmes,  then  a  missionary  among  the  Indians.  He 
was  the  first  person  that  was  baptized  in  the  town  of  Norwich, 
Chen.  Co.,  N.  Y.  Soon  after  his  baptism  a  church  arose  in 
that  town,  with  which  he  united. 

He  was  married  to  Miss  Rhoda  Purdy,  daughter  of  Dea. 
James  Purdy,  of  Plymouth,  Chen.  Co.,  N.  Y.,  in  1798, 
May  20,  1803,  he  received  a  license  from  the  church  to 
improve  his  gift  in  preaching  ;  and  August  25,  1808,  he  was 
set  apart  to  the  work  of  the  gospel  ministry,  in  the  church 
in  North  Norwich,  by  solemn  ordination.  He  continued  his 
pastoral  labors  with  this  church  until  Oct.  25,  1817.  His 
labors  in  this  place  were  greatly  blessed  to  the  edification  of 
the  people  of  God  and  the  awakening  of  sinners.  There 
was  from  year  to  year  a  gradual  increase  of  numbers  in  the 


220  BAPTIST    HISSIOXAKY  C0^-VE?^TIO:^. 

church.  But  in  the  years  of  1810  and  — 11  a  glorious 
revival  took  place,  during  which  eighty-three  precious  souls; 
were  added  to-  the  church,  many  of  whom  were  youth.  In 
this  hallowed  season  of  Divine  influence  his  soul  was  on  the 
wing,  rejoicing  in  the  glorious  triumph  of  l>ivine  grace,  and 
laboring  incessantly  to  promote  the  glorious  cause  of  the 
divine  Redeemer.  In  1816  it  pleased  tl:i€  Lord  again  to  pour 
out  his  Spirit  on  this  church  and  society,  which  produced  an 
addition  of  sixty  souls  to  the  church.  About  the  same  time 
a  shower  of  Divine  influences  descended  on  the  village  of 
Norwich,  which  caused  an  accession  ef  one  hundred  and  one 
members  to  thre  church  in  that  place.  In  this  revival  Br.  F.  was 
very  active  and  exceedingly  useful.  He  baptized  nearly  all 
the  new  members,  as  their  pastor.  Eld.  J.  Randall,  was  unable 
to  administer,  by  reason  of  a  dislocation  of  his  slioulder. 

But  in  tlie  midst  of  his  useful  labors  in  this  vicinity.  Prov- 
idence seen^/ed  to  call  upon  him  to  relinquish  his  pastoral 
charge.  Accordingly,  on  the  25th  of  Oct.  1817,  he  gave  in' 
his  resignation,  and  removed  to  Milo,  in  the  county  of  YateSy 
N.  Y.  Here  he  was  called  upon  to  take  the  pastoral  care. of 
the  church  in  Milo  and  Jerusalem.  In  this  relation  he  con- 
tinued until  the  time  of  his  melancholy  exit.  His  labors  in- 
this  vicinity  were  greatly  blessed,  especially  the  last  year,  m 
which  he  was  called  upan  to  baptize  a  large  number  in  Pultney* 

But  it  pleased  the  sovereign  Disposer  of  all  events  to  pre- 
sent him  with  a  bitter  cup,  of  which  he  mu&t  drink ;  for  on- 
the  6th  of  Sept.  1820,  the  desire  of  his  eyes,  the  wife  of  his 
3fouth,  was  called  from  these  mortal  shores  to  tlie  enjoyment 
of  brighter  pleasures  in  the  world  above.  The  stroke  was 
heavy  ;  yet  with  due  submission  he  bowed  to  the  v/ill  of  God. 
On  the  occasion  he  writes  thus  :  "  After  being  wedded  to  her 
about  twenty-tw-o  years,  death  hath  dissolved  tlie  conneetion, 
and  left  me  with  seven  motherless  children,  and  a  large  circle 
of  relatives  and  friends  to  mcurn  under  the  bereaving  prov- 
idence. I  knov/,  O  Lord  !  that  thy  judgments  are  right,  and 
that  thou  in  faithfulness  hast  afflicted  me."  In  1821  he 
married  the  widow  Rachel  Roberts,  a  worthy  member  of  the 
church  in  Montgomery,  Penn.,  under  the  pastoral  care  of 
the  Rev.  Silas  Hough.  In  this  woman  he  found  an  agreea- 
ble companion,  a  kind  motlier  to  his  children^  and  a  rea£ 
lielper  in  tlie  gospeL 


BIOGRAPHIES JONATHAN   FEREIS.  221 

But  this  happy  family  were  not  allowed  long  to  enjoy  each 
t)ther  ;  for  on  Tuesday,  the  17th  of  June,  1823,  about  4 
o'clock,  P.  M.  a  cloud  arose  from  the  southwest,  highly  charg- 
ed with  the  electric  fluid,  and  seemed  to  pass  over,  but  soon 
returned  ;  the  lightning  and  thunder  were  incessant.  Br» 
F.  observed  the  clouds  had  a  singular  appearance,  and  seemed 
anxious  to  watch  their  movements,  and  frequently  went  to 
the  door,  until  requested  by  his  daughter  to  come  away.  He 
came  and  took  a  seat  by  her,  but  in  a  moment  left  the  seat, 
and  went  to  the  window ;  but  as  he  was  stooping  to  look  out, 
the  angel  of  death,  arrayed  in  flames,  gave  the  fatal  stroke, 
and  his  soul  took  its  departure  to  the  realms  of  glory.  The 
explosion  damaged  the  house  very  much,  but  no  other  person 
received  any  lasting  injury.  His  daughter's  apron  was  set 
on  fire,  and  when  the  neighbors  entered  they  found  his 
clothes  burning,  but  could  perceive  no  signs  of  life  in  him. 

He  was  interred  on  the  following  day,  when  an  appropriate 
discourse  was  delivered  by  Eld.  Amos  Chase,  to  a  large  and 
deeply  affected  congregation,  from  Psalm  xii.  1 :  "  Help, 
Lord,  for  the  godly  man  ceaseth  ;  for  the  faithful  fail  from 
among  the  children  of  men."  He  had  for  some  time  previ- 
ous to  his  death  been  exercised  with  an  unusual  concern  for 
the  souls  of  his  fellow-men,  and  preached  with  much  freedom 
and  fervency  on  the  distinguishing  doctrines  of  the  gospel. 
On  the  Sabbath  before  his  death  he  preached  three  sermons, 
with  much  power,  seeming  to  his  hearers  to  possess  unusual 
liberty  of  thought  and  utterance.  His  last  text  was  in  Acts 
XX.  21 :  "  Testifying  both  to  the  Jews  and  to  the  Greeks 
repentance  toward  God  and  faith  toward  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ."  His  labors  were  divided  between  three  distinct 
congregations,  among  two  of  which  some  hopeful  appear- 
ances cheered  his  heart,  while  the  one  with  which  he  was  local- 
ly situated  seemed  to  remain  unaffected  under  his  pious  and 
faithful  admonitions  and  pathetic  prayers.  This  circum- 
stance seemed  to  try  his  faith,  and  to  move  him  to  tears ;  but 
God  still  chose  to  hide  from  him  the  thing  which  he  intended 
to  do  for  that  people,  and  called  him  to  cease  from  his  labors 
and  enter  into  his  rest. 

On  the  Sabbath  following  this  melancholy  providence  the 
people  appeared  much  affected  ;  the  saints  were  aroused  to 
^  sense  of  their  duty,  and  strengthened  to  take  up  their  cross 
19* 


22'3  BAPTIST  MISSrONARTT  CONVENTIOIT. 

and  come  up  to  the  help  of  the  Lord,  notwithstanding  He 
had  removed  their  imoer-shepherd  from  them  ;  while  sinners, 
impressed  with  the  thoughts  of  death,  judgment,  and  eternity, 
cried,  What  shall  we  do  ?  and  same,  in  view  of  the  misim- 
provement  of  their  time  and  neglect  of  his  ministry, 
reproached  themselves,  saying,  "  How  often  has  he  warned 
us  of  our  danger,  and  prayed  for  our  souls,  and  we  regarded 
it  not !"  About  twenty  on  that  day  rose  up  in  tlie  congrega- 
tion, and  asked  the  prayers  of  God's  people  for  them.  A 
subsequent  account  states  that  many  souls  there  have  been 
hopefully  brought  into  gospel  liberty ;  soine  had  been  bap- 
tized, and  the  woi-k  v/as  still  progressing. 

As  a  husband  and  parent,  he  was  exemplary,  kind,  and 
afectionate.  As  a  friend,  faithful  and  sincere.  As  a 
Christian,  meek  and  holy ;  and  being  favored  with  a  melodi- 
ous voice,  he  might  be  considered  as  one  of  the  sweet  singers 
of  Israel  *..  he  took  great  delight  in  singing  the  praises  of 
God.  As  a  minister,  although  liis  preaching  talents  were 
not  above  mediocrity,  he  was  sound  in  the  faith,  and  a  irrm 
advocate  of  the  doctrine  of  free  grace.  As  a  pastor,  he  wa& 
exemplary,  gently  leading  the  flock,  and  feeding  tliern  with 
the  sincere  milk  of  the  word ;  always  endeavoring  to  main- 
tain pea<ie  and  harmony  in  the  church.  Being  diffident  and 
unassuming,  he  was  always  ready  to  ask  and  receive  council 
of  his  brethren. 

Such  was  this  vaiiiable  man  ;  and  in  view  of  the  circum- 
stance of  his  death,  cut  off  in  the  midst  of  his  usefulness,  we 
are  led  to  admire  and  wonder  at  the  Divine  administration. 
Yet  it  becomes  us  to  be  still,  and  know  that  he  is  God,  and 
submit  all  to  Him 

"  Who  works  in  a  mysterious  way, 
His  wonders  to  perform  ; 
He  plants  his  footsteps  in  the  sea, 
And  rides  upon  the  storm." 


ENOCH     FERRIS. 

Eld.  E.  Feeris  was  born  May  10,  1762,  in  Dutchess  Co., 
N.  Y.  His  father  removed  to  Stanwick,  Conn.,  when  Enoch 
was  only  two  years  old.     His  mind  was  impressed  with  the 


BIOGRAPHIES ENOCH   FERHIff.  22'3 

reality  of  divine  things  when  about  eight  or  nine  years  of 
age.  In  his  sixteenth  year  he  entertained  hope  in  the  mercy 
of  God,  and  in  the  next  year  he  united  with  the  Baptist 
church  in  New  Lebanon,  N.  Y.  In  his  nineteenth  year  he 
married,  and  settled  in  Canaan.  He  early  employed  his 
talents  in  exhortation ;  but  through  the  cares  of  the  world,, 
he  soon  forgot  his  closet  and  family  devotions,  and  also  neg- 
lected his  public  exercises.  At  this  time  his  feet  had  well» 
nigh  slipped ;  but  God  in  mercy  reclaimed  him,  by  means  of 
a  simple  question  from  an  unbelieving  cousin,  '*Why  doe& 
not  cousin  pray  as  he  did  formerly  ?"  This  question  suggest- 
ed thje  thought  that  even  unbelievers  took  notice  of  his  apos- 
tacy.  It  greatly  agitated  his  mind,  and  resulted  in  his  return 
to  his  duty,  with  deep  sorrov/  and  confession.  An  extensive 
revival  soon  followed  ;  and  the  cousin  who  proposed  the 
question  to  him  was  the  first  convert.  From  this  time  he 
engaged  in  public  exercises,  and  was  licensed  to  preach  the 
gospel.  He  was  ordained  in  the  town  of  Southeast,  in  the 
3'ear  1787,  and  continued  to  preach  in  that  place,  at  Salem, 
and  Nassau,  until  he  was  employed  by  the  New  York  Baptist 
Missionary  Society  as  their  missionary.  His  heart  was 
much  in  this  work,  as  will  be  seen  by  an  extract  from  one  of 
bis  first  letters  to  the  Board. 

"  I  have  not  had  one  barren  season*  The  Loi*d  has  been 
my  helper.  I  hear  more  Macedonian  cries  than  I  can  answer. 
Dear  brethren,  pray  for  me,  that  I  may  be  kept  at  my  Mas- 
ter's feet,  and  be  made  wise  to  feed  the  flock  and  to  win  souls. 
The  prospect  before  me  is  favorable  at  present.  I  know  not 
when  I  have  enjoyed  a  more  precious  season  to  my  soul  than^ 
since  I  began  my  ride.  My  prayer  to  God  is,  that  you  may 
be  filled  with  the  fruit  of  your  missionary  exertions." 

In  1816  he  removed  to  Mexico,  Oswego  Co.,  and  continu- 
ed to  labor  as  a  missionary  in  a  wide  circuit.  In  1817  he 
witnessed  the  rise  of  three  new  churches,  and  the  enlarge- 
ment of  others,  under  his  instrumentality.  In  1819  he  re- 
moved to  Richland ;.  and  receiving  no  a,id,  for  a  considerable 
time,  from  any  society,  he  experienced  the  chills  of  poverty,, 
while  the  calls  about  him  were  nat  diminished..  Amid  his; 
gloomy  prospects  lie  thus  writes  t 

"  There  never  was  a  time  when  a  faithful  missionary  was 
pjore  needed  than  at  present ;  for  the  greater  part  of  the 


224  BAPTIST    MISSIONARY  CONVENTION. 

people  are  poor  in  the  extreme,  and  but  few  are  able  to  do 
anything  towards  supporting  ministers.  But  they  have  pre- 
cious souls ;  and  multitudes  are  perishing  for  lack  of  the 
knowledge  of  salvation  by  Jesus  Christ.  Had  I  not  some 
longings  for  their  salvation,  I  should  quit  the  field  ;  for  the 
time  I  have  spent  the  year  past,  (for  which  I  receive  no 
other  compensation  than  the  pleasure  I  realize  in  performing 
the  work,  and  in  waiting  for  and  witnessing  the  Divine  bless- 
ing on  my  labor,)  is  worth  to  my  family  more  than  one 
hundred  dollars.  Thus,  you  see  my  missionary  tax  is  great. 
I  have  worn  out  the  most  of  my  clothes,  and  have  no  way  to 
get  more ;  but  I  trust  the  Lord  will  provide."  Again,  he 
writes,  "  Such  is  the  pressing  desire  I  feel  to  impart  the  word 
of  life  to  the  destitute  in  this  wilderness,  that  I  must,  while  I 
have  strength,  listen  to  the  Macedonian  cries  around  me." 

Through  the  instrumentality  of  a  kind  uncle,  the  Lord  was 
pleased,  in  1825  or  1826,  to  relieve  him  from  the  pressure  of 
poverty,  and  open  to  him  the  fairest  prospects  of  a  comfort- 
able old  age.  This  he  regarded  with  much  gratitude  to 
God.     In  1836  he  writes  to  the  Missionary  Society  thus  : 

"  I  do  not  believe  it  is  my  duty  to  ask  you  for  any  further 
assistance.  I  expect  this  to  be  the  last  letter  I  shall  write  to 
you  in  the  character  of  a  missionary.  I  wish  I  could  ex- 
press the  feelings  of  my  heart  towards  you  while  I  take  my 
leave  of  you.  I  shall  never  forget  your  kindness  to  me,  and 
the  poor  in  this  wilderness,  while  the  fruits  of  your  benevo- 
lence are  around  me." 

After  this,  however,  he  received  some  more  aid  from  the 
Society.  His  health  had  been  failing  for  more  than  a  year  ; 
but,  prompted  by  zeal  in  his  Master's  cause,  he  made  an  ex- 
cursion, in  August,  into  the  southern  part  of  the  county, 
where  he  visited  from  house  to  house,  and  preached  as  fre- 
quently as  in  his  younger  days.  On  the  morning  of  the 
first  Sabbath  in  September  he  labored  under  such  indisposi- 
tion that  it  was  with  difficulty  he  could  arise  from  his  knees 
after  family  devotion.  He  was  unable  to  preach  that  day. 
The  next  day  he  was  unusually  animated  in  Christian  con- 
versation— still  intimating  that  he  should  not  recover  from 
that  illness.  After  this  he  was  not  able  to  walk  out.  In  all 
his  sickness,  while  his  reason  continued,  he  was  resigned  and 
comfortable  in  his  prospects.     On  the  6th  of  October,  1830- 


BIOGRAPHIES ELKANAH    COMSTOCK.  225 

he  was  kindly  dismissed  from  his  Master's  service  in  this 
world,  and,  as  we  have  reason  to  think,  was  taken  to  praise 
God  in  the  sanctuary  above,  in  the  69th  year  of  his  ag;>.  On 
the  8th  day  of  October  his  funeral  was  attended  by  a  ninier- 
ous  assembly  of  neighbors  and  Christian  friends. 

When  we  view  the  successful  service  of  this  departed 
saint,  the  uniform  piety  which  he  maintained  through  a  long 
life  of  trials,  and  his  entire  submission  to  the  Divine  will 
through  his  last  illness,  we  can  not  but  admire  the  grace  that 
enabled  him  thus  to  finish  his  course. 


ELKANAH     COMSTOCK. 

Eld.  Elkanah  Comstock  was  born  in  New  London,  Ct., 
Sept.  30,  1771.  He  was  blessed  with  a  religious  education. 
At  what  age  he  publicly  embraced  the  religion  of  Christ  is 
not  known  ;  yet  early  in  his  adult  years  he  was  found  among 
the  followers  of  Jesus.  His  mind  soon  began  to  be  impressed 
with  a  sense  of  the  great  work  of  the  ministry,  from  which 
he  attempted  to  flee,  as  Jonah  ;  and,  like  him,  tried  his  for- 
tune at  sea  ;  but  it  pleased  God  to  frustrate  all  his  plans,  and 
render  unsuccessful  every  attempt  in  worldly  prosperity, 
while  he  lived  in  rebellion  against  the  dictates  of  the  Spirit. 
Under  repeated  disasters  his  mind  was  led  to  reflect  seriously 
on  his  course  of  life,  and  soon  came  to  the  decision,  by  God's 
assistance,  to  take  up  the  ministry  for  his  lot. 

In  1797  he  was  married  to  Miss  Sarah  Green,  a  very 
amiable  and  pious  young  lady,  in  whom  he  found  an  help- 
meet indeed.  She  most  cheerfully  divided  the  sorrows  of 
life  with  him,  and  patiently  endured  the  complicated  trials 
that  an  all- wise  Providence  saw  fit  to  apportion  them.  In 
the  year  1802  he  moved  to  Albany,  N.  Y.,  or  rather  in  the 
county  of  Albany,  and  in  1807  he  moved  to  Scipio,  Cayuga 
Co.  He  lived  in  the  county  of  Cayuga,  in  the  towns  of 
Scipio  and  Owasco,  about  seventeen  years.  During  this 
period  he  itinerated  in  the  new  settlements  of  Pennsylvania 
and  the  western  part  of  New  York.  Many  dear  children  of 
God  were  made  to  rejoice,  and  joyfully  testified  to  his  labors 
of  love,  while  they  were  built  up  in  the  truth  under  his 
wholesome  instruction. 


226  BAPTIST    MISSIONARY    CONVENTION. 

His  labors  in  the  Cayuga  Association  entitle  him  to  the 
grateful  recollections  of  the  church  in  that  body,  and,  in  fact, 
the  whole  region  of  country  around.  Not  a  council,  hardly, 
was  called,  but  he  was  one  of  the  members,  and  the  labors  of 
the  scribe  fell  upon  him.  He  had  many  privations  to  contend 
with — a  large  family  to  think  of,  with  narrow  means;  and 
yet,  no  man  was  more  punctual  to  all  his  appointments.  His 
Master's  business  seemed  to  be  first  in  his  regards,  and  his 
own  last.  He  not  unfrequently  felt  the  neglects  of  brethren 
in  supplying  his  wants  according  to  their  obligations  ;  but  he 
bore  all  with  astonishing  submission.  It  was  rare  that  you 
heard  a  complaint  from  his  lips  ;  he  met  you  with  a  smile  in 
his  humble  mansion,  even  when  straitened  for  the  necessaries 
of  life.  His  children  were  always  kept  in  remarkable  order, 
and  occupied  in  some  useful  industry.  His  early  advantages 
had  been  very  small ;  but  he  had  so  improved  his  time,  after 
entering  the  ministry,  that  he  acquired  a  good  education, 
and  his  theological  knowledge  was  not  surpassed  by  any  of 
his  brethren. 

In  the  year  1824  the  Territory  of  Michigan  was  rapidly 
settling,  and  the  few  scattered  sheep  in  the  wilderness  sent 
forth  a  Macedonian  cry.  Br.  Comstock  was  appointed  a 
missionary  by  the  N.  Y.  B.  State  Convention,  and  removed 
his  family  to  Michigan,  and  located  in  the  village  of  Pontiac. 
At  this  time  there  was  not  a  Protestant  minister  in  the  whole 
Territory.  He  sought  the  objects  of  his  Master's  love  by 
many  an  obscure  path  amidst  the  recesses  of  the  wilderness. 

The  Baptist  churches  in  Michigan,  which  received  the 
labors  of  our  brother  in  their  ijicipient  state,  gratefully 
acknowledge  his  labors  of  love  and  fatherly  counsel.  In 
1826  or  7  was  formed  the  first  Baptist  Association  in  Michi- 
gan. He  aided  in  forming  a  sound  creed,  and  sowed  the 
good  seed  of  the  kingdom.  Not  long  after  he  came  to  this 
place  he  was  brought  very  low  by  a  distressing  fever ;  his 
family  despaired  of  his  life,  but  the  Lord  was  merciful,  and 
restored  him  to  a  comfortable  state  of  health.  His  constitu- 
tion, however,  was  much  impaired;  and  with  regret  his 
friends  saw  him  sinking  under  the  weight  of  years  and  in- 
firmities. In  Dec,  1830,  it  pleased  the  Lord  to  visit  him 
again  with  affliction,  in  the  death  of  a  dear  daughter ;  and 
on  the  following  February  he  was  called  to  drink  yet  deeper 


BIOGRAPHIES ELKANAH    COMSTOCK.  227 

in  the  cup  of  affliction,  by  the  loss  of  his  dear  partner — a 
woman  of  uncommon  amiabiUty,  and  possessing  apparently 
all  the  desirable  qualities  for  a  minister's  wife.  In  this  dark 
providence  his  faith  was  called  to  a  severe  trial  which 
resulted  in  much  holy  joy,  while  he  trusted  in  God,  believing 
that  "  all  things  work  together  for  good  to  them  that  love 
God."  Not  long  after  the  decease  of  his  wife,  he  resigned 
the  pastoral  charge  of  the  church  at  Pontiac,  over  which  he 
had  presided  since  its  organization.  His  health  gradually 
declined  ;  and  in  the  fall  of  1833  he  went  to  New  London, 
the  place  of  his  nativity,  in  hopes  that  a  change  of  air  and 
climate  might  in  some  measure  restore  his  health ;  but  a  wise 
Providence  ordered  it  otherwise.  Soon  after  his  arrival  in 
his  native  place  he  was  taken  with  the  dropsy,  which  ter- 
minated his  valuable  life  on  the  13th  of  May,  1834. 

After  the  death  of  Br.  Comstock  was  announced  in  Pon- 
tiac,  as  soon  as  circumstances  admitted,  a  funeral  discourse 
was  delivered  in  presence  of  a  crowded  assembly.  The  dis- 
course  was  founded  on  the  passage  in  Ephesians  iii.  8  : 
"Unto  me,  who  am  less  than  the  least  of  all  saints,  is  this 
grace  given,  that  I  should  preach  among  the  gentiles  the 
unsearchable  riches  of  Christ" — the  text  chosen  by  Br. 
Comstock  nearly  two  years  before  his  death. 

Br.  Comstock  left  a  very  respectable  family — six  sons  and 
two  daughters — most  of  whom  have  arrived  to  manhoodo 
One  son  and  one  daughter  are  worthy  members  of  the  Bap- 
tist church  in  Pontiac.  Br.  Comstock  was  an  able  and  bold 
supporter  of  the  doctrine  of  Christ.  He  sought  to  please 
his  Master,  and  was  "  determined  to  know  nothing  but  Jesus 
Christ  and  him  crucified."  He  was  a  man,  therefore,  that 
had  imperfections  ;  yet  it  is  just  to  say  he  was  exemplary  in 
his  course  as  a  man  and  a  minister  ;  his  counsel  was  sought 
by  the  friends  of  truth ;  he  was  ever  ready  to  assist  the 
feeble  churches ;  and  the  people  of  God  have  reason  to  be 
grateful  to  the  Lord  of  the  vineyard  for  such  a  faithful  ser. 
vant  in  laying  the  foundation  of  correct  principles  in  a  new 
country. 

For  the  space  of  about  thirty-two  years  spent  in  the  vine- 
yard, under  all  the  complicated  trials  that  fell  to  his  lot,  he 
never  swerved  from  the  spirit  of  the  gospel.  In  the  afflictions 
of  God's  people  he  took  a  deep  interest.     He  was  a  ready 


228  BAPTIST    MISSIONARY  CONVENTION. 

scribe,  and  his  general  knowledge  of  business  rendered  him 
very  acceptable  to  the  public.  As  a  private  citizen,  he  was 
much  respected,  and  his  death  much  lamented ;  as  a  father, 
he  was  rarely  excelled  ;  his  pious  example  in  his  family,  and 
his  very  affectionate  parental  kindness,  rendered  him  pecu- 
liarly dear  to  his  children  ;  and  they  sorrowed  most  of  all 
that  he  died  far  from  home,  and  that  they  should  see  his  face 
no  more. 

Thus  died  our  Br.  Comstock,  in  the  sixty-third  year  of 
his  age,  and  was  gathered  home  to  participate  in  "  the  rest 
which  remains  for  the  children  of  God." 


OBED     WARREN. 

Eld.  Obed  Warren  was  born  of  pious  parents,  in  Plain- 
field,  Ct.,  March  18,  1760.  At  the  age  of  seven  he  was  a 
subject  of  the  awakening,  and  he  afterwards  thought  of  the 
saving,  influence  of  the  Spirit  of  God.  This,  however,  he 
kept  to  himself  for  several  years.  His  parents  removed, 
w^hile  he  was  young,  into  Dudley,  Mass.,  where  he  made  a 
profession  of  religion,  and  united  with  the  Baptist  church  in 
that  place,  at  the  age  of  fifteen.  Here  he  entered  the  min- 
istry, and  on  the  day  he  was  twenty-one  years  old  delivered 
his  first  sermon.  He  had  a  call  in  Halifax,  Vt.,  where  he 
was  ordained,  and  continued  for  several  years,  until  he 
removed  to  Salem,  N.  Y.  Here  he  spent  a  great  part  of  his 
public  life,  and  was  instrumental  of  building  up  a  respectable 
church  and  society.  He  was  favored  ^vith  several  revivals 
of  religion  among  his  people,  and  was  extensively  useful  in 
that  region  of  country,  in  his  visits  to  the  churches  that 
were  destitute,  and  in  the  Vermont  Association,  of  which 
he  was  a  member. 

After  laboring  successfully  in  Salem  nearly  twenty  years, 
he  had  a  conviction  that  his  work  in  that  place  was  done, 
and  that  God  called  him  to  another  part  of  his  harvest. 
This,  however,  did  not  accord  with  the  wishes  and  judgments 
of  his  people.  Their  parting  was  painful,  yet  in  his  view  a 
duty.  He  labored  for  a  time  with  neighboring  churches  in 
Cambridge  and  Hoosick,  and  at  length  removed  to  Delphi,  in 
the  county  of  Onondaga.     He  spent  about  two  years  in  that 


»rOGRAPHIES — ©BED   WARREN.  229 

place,  in  which  time  the  church  built  them  a  house  of  wor- 
ship, and   were   favored  with  a  revival  of  religion,  which 
greatly  increased  their  number.     The   cloud  on  which  his 
eye  was  constantly  intent  then  directed  his  removal  to  an 
afflicted   people  in  Scipio,  with  whom  he  labored,   much  to 
their  satisfaction,  the  following  year.     Before  the  expiration 
of  the  year,  however,  he  received  a  call  from  the  1st  Baptist 
church    in  Eaton,    which,  from  various  circumstances,  he 
deemed  it  his  duty  to  accept.     By  this  removal   he  was 
placed  near  the  centre  of  the  Madison  Association,  the  Ham- 
ilton  and  Madison  Missionary  Societies,  and  near  the  Bap- 
tist Literary  and  Theological   Seminary,  in  all  of  which  he 
took  a   very  decided    interest.     It   is  presumed  that  in  no 
part  of  his  life  was   he  more  active,  or  more  useful  in  the 
general  interest  of  the  kingdom,  than  in  the  three  years  he 
resided  in  that  place.     He   was  an  active   member  of  the 
Board  of  the  Hamilton  Missionary  Society,  and  was  one  of 
their  agents.     He  was  also  a  firm  supporter  of  the  Theolo- 
gical  Institution.     At  different   times  he  filled  the  office  of 
President  of  the  Board,  of  Chairman  of  the  Executive  Com- 
mittee, and  of  agent  for  collecting  funds.     His  correctness 
of  judgment,  known  integrity,  and  weight  of  character,  gave 
him  much  influence  in  removing  the  fears  and  obviating  the 
prejudice  of  many  against   the   Institution.     He  embraced 
the  object  as  a  very  important  one,  and  entered  fully  into  the 
principles  of  the  constitution,  and  the  measures  adopted  for 
its  support. 

When  he  came  to   Eaton,  he  considered  that  as  his  last 
remove ;  but  He,  who  directs  the  steps  of  man,  had  a  work 
for  Warren  to  do  in  Covet.     The  winter  before  his  death  he 
was  called  to  that  place,  and   went  in  "  the  fullness  of  the 
hlessing  of  the  gospel  of  Christ."      In   July   following  he 
wrote  to  a  correspondent  as  follows  :     "  It  will  be  agreeable 
to  you  to  hear  that  I  am  in  health,  and  have  full  employment 
in  this  destitute  region.     There  is  a  little  revival  in  this 
church  ;  nine,  beside  myself,  have  joined  it  by  letter  since  I 
came  here.     Last  Sabbath  a  large  assembly  went  from  the 
meeting-house  to  the  lake-shore — a  very  pleasant  situation 
for  the  occasion  :  there  was  much  water.     Some  others,  we 
hope,  have  been  brought  out  of  darkness  into  the  light  and 
liberty  of  the  gospel." 
20 


230  BAPTIST    MISSIONARY    CONVENTION. 

His  care  for  the  theological  school,  from  which  he  was 
removed  about  seventy  miles,  is  expressed  in  the  close  of 
this  letter,  which  was  written  but  six  weeks  before  his  death, 
and  was  his  last  communication  on  the  subject.  "  My 
brother,  your  employment  at  Hamilton  is  closely  connected 
with  the  interest  of  Zion.  You  are  sensible  that  the  instruc- 
tion you  give  to  the  young  men  under  your  cure  will  have 
effect,  after  we  rest  from  our  labors.  Were  our  churches 
favored  with  pastors,  whose  understandings  are  fruitful  in  the 
mysteries  of  the  kingdom,  and  who  are  well  versed  in  the 
laws  of  our  God,  and  men  who  imitate  the  ancient  apostles 
in  self-denial,  faithfulness,  and  perseverance,  there  would  be 
much  less  difficulties  in  the  churches,  and  the  mouths  of  a 
multitude  of  gain-sayers  would  be  stopped.  My  brother,  I 
pray  God  you  may  have  wisdom  to  perform  your  duty  to  the 
young  brethren  ;  and  you  will  be  pleased  to  have  me  exhort 
you  to  teach  and  warn  every  one  of  them  continually,  while 
under  your  direction.  Do  write,  and  let  me  know  how  the 
school  prospers." 

About  three  weeks  before  this  letter  was  written,  he  wrote 
to  Eld.  John  Peck,  informing  him  that  his  brother-in-law, 
Eld.  Jonathan  Ferris,  of  Milo,  was  instantly  struck  dead  by 
a  flash  of  lightning.  He  also  mentions  the  chastening  of  his 
Father's  rod,  which  he  had  just  experienced  upon  himself,  as 
another  pledge  of  his  love.  "  Last  Sunday,"  says  he,  "  I 
had  a  severe  turn  of  cholic — endured  more  pain  than  I  have 
in  any  one  day  for  several  years.  I  have  not  regained  my 
usual  health  ;  yet,  through  the  tender  mercies  of  God,  was 
able  to  preach  three  sermons  last  Sabbath — experienced 
much  satisfaction  while  preaching,  and  believing,  '  Lo,  I 
am  with  you  always,  even  unto  the  end  of  the  world.'  You 
know,  my  brother,  that  I  experience  less  pain  and  sickness 
than  is  usual  for  one  so  far  advanced  in  age.  Our  heavenly 
Father  knew  it  was  for  my  good  to  have  a  few  hours  of 
severe  pain.  Since  that,  I  have  much  comfort  in  viewing 
Him  who  endured  pain,  and  hath  died  for  us,  and  hath  con- 
quered death  and  the  grave.  Almighty  Savior  !  help  me  to 
cry  by  faith,  '  O  death,  where  is  thy  sting  ?  O  grave,  where 
is  thy  victory  V  O  that  all  the  saints  were  more  fervent  in 
their  desires  that  the  Lord  of  the  harvest  would  send  forth 
laborers !     O  that  all  the  laborers  might  work  daily  as  though 


BIOGRAPHIES OBED    WARREN.  231 

they  were  doing  their  last  work !  How  seldom  do  we,  my 
brother,  when  we  preach,  or  converse  with  one  another, 
speak  as  though  we  reaUzed  there  is  but  a  single  step  between 
us  and  the  eternal  world  !  O  for  more  fervency  in  praying — 
more  energy  and  spirituality  in  preaching,  exhorting,  and 
warning  sinners  to  flee  from  the  wrath  to  come  !  Do,  my 
brother,  pray  for  me,  and  may  we  unite  in  praying  for  each 
other,  and  for  all  our  brethren  in  the  ministry,  that  we  may 
have  the  empty  things  of  this  world  beneath  our  feet — that  our 
souls  may  bel  blessed,  and  our  tongues  anointed  with  the 
spirit  of  the  gospel — that  we  may  come  to  our  assemblies 
every  Sabbath,  and  at  all  times,  in  the  fullness  of  the  blessing 
of  Christ — that  the  flock  under  our  charge  may  be  fed  v/ith 
the  sincere  milk  of  the  word,  and  our  garments  be  pure  from 
the  blood  of  our  impenitent  hearers.  Should  we  thus  live 
and  preach,  and  walk  in  the  law  of  the  Lord,  the  light  of  the 
Lord,  the  love  of  the  Lord,  it  would  be  no  matter  whether  we 
were  summoned  by  chain-lightning,  a  fit  of  apoplexy,  or 
fever,  or  consumption,  to  meet  our  God  and  Redeemer  ;  for 
dying  would  only  be  going  home." 

It  was  not,  however,  till  he  felt  the  pangs  of  death  that  he 
relinquished  the  sanguine  expectation  of  having  his  life  pro- 
longed. When  taken  from  the  sanctuary,  about  three  weeks 
before  his  death,  he  knew  not  his  Father's  design,  but  sup- 
posed he  should  soon  be  returned  to  his  labors,  and  see  more 
of  the  salvation  of  God  among  his  people.  During  his  ill- 
ness he  had  strong  expectations  of  recovery,  and  even  when 
death  was  changing  his  countenance,  one  of  his  daughters 
asked  him  if  he  did  not  think  he  was  dying.  He  answered, 
*'  No  ;  I  shall  live  and  preach  the  gospel."  A  member  of  his 
church,  standing  by,  said  to  him,  *'  Br.  Warren,  you  are 
dying."  He  replied,  without  the  least  alarm,  "Well,  fare- 
well ;  I  am  pure  from  the  blood  of  men."  He  spoke  but 
once  more,  and  fell  asleep  in  Jesus,  in  the  sixty-fourth  year 
of  his  age,  and  forty-third  year  of  his  ministry. 

He  was  favored  through  life  with  a  firm  constitution,  never 
impaired  by  sickness,  or  age,  nor  by  the  most  arduous  labors. 
He  had  a  strong  mind,  but  little  cultivated  in  early  Ufe,  and 
never  much  improved  in  classical  literature  ;  but  richly  stored 
with  good  sense — a  well-regulated  judgment,  correct  views 
of  national  interests,  and  of  the  doctrine  of  the  word  of  God. 


282  BAPTIST    MISSIOXAHY  CO>'VENTIOr^% 

His  decision  of  character  and  firm  attachment  to  truth  would 
never  allow  him  to  coimtenance  error,  even  to  save  the  feel- 
ings  of  a  friend.  He  haci  an  untiring  spirit  in  controversy, 
when  he  beUeved  the  cause  of  God  was  concerned,  and 
feared  not  to  encounter  a  host.  He  had  elevated  views  of 
the  Christian  ministry,  and  spared  no  pains  to  expose  and 
remove  from  the  churches  those  who  degraded  the  office. 
He  was  an  able  counselor  and  faithful  leader  in  the  church  of 
God.  He  was  solemn  and  devout  in  prayer,  and  appeared 
usually  to  enjoy  much  of  the  spirit  and  presence  of  the 
Savior.  His  preaching  was  plain,  practical,  and  impressive, 
calculated  to  awaken  sinners  and  edify  saints.  In  fine,  his 
whole  character  and  deportment,  as  a  man,  a  Christian,  and 
a  minister,  united  many  excellencies  which  are  worthy  of 
imitation.     Kendrlck's  Sermon. 


JOHN    UPFOLD. 

Eld.  Upfold,  the  youngest  of  four  sons  of  Mr.  George 
Upfold,  a  respectable  farmer  in  Cranley,  county  of  Surrey, 
England,  was  born  Nov.  29,  1766.  We  find  no  account  of 
his  juvenile  years.  The  first  authentic  account  is  as  follows : 
Having  been  unsuccessful  in  business,  he  obtained  a  commis- 
sion as  an  officer  in  the  excise.  In  this  situation  he  vv^as 
soon  made  to  realize  the  wickediiess  of  his  heart  and  life. 
He  was  passing  by  a  Dissenting  place  of  worship  in  Mid- 
hurst,*  in  the  county  of  Sussex,  to  attend  the  king's  business, 
at  a  time  when  some  person  was  preaching,  from  whose  lips 
he  heard  the  following  words:  "Brethren,  you  have  a  God 
to  go  to."  These  words,  which  were  intended  by  the 
preacher  to  comfort  the  saints  in  a  time  of  persecution, 
pierced  Mr.  Upfold's  heart.  He  was  fully  convinced  that  he 
was  an  undone  creature,  as  he  was  living  without  hope  and 
without  God  in  the  world.  His  conduct,  for  weeks  and 
months,  appeared  to  him  unpardonable,  as  he  could  not  real- 

*  About  this  time  the  spirit  of  persecution  ragged  in  Midhurst  to  an  alarm- 
ing degree  ;  and  a  bandittilhad  actually  assembled  to  break  up  the  meeting, 
when  Mr.  IJpfold  passed  by,  and  soon  succeeded  in  drivirxg  the  minister  frona, 
the  pulpit > 


BIOGRAPHIES ^JOHN    UPFOLD.  233 

ize  the  justice  of  God  in  extending  mercy  to  such  a  sinful 
creature.  However,  in  an  hour  of  temptation  and  distress, 
God,  of  his  infinite  goodness,  vvas  graciously  pleased  to  hush 
his  troubled  mind  into  peace.  He  was  enabled  to  realize 
how  life  and  immortality  are  brought  to  hght  through  the 
gospel,  and  the  words  of  the  apostle  John  suggested^  them- 
selves with  power  to  his  mind  :  «  The  blood  of  Jesus  Christ 
deanseth  from  all  sin.^^  This  gave  him  great  reason  to  hope 
that  God,  for  Christ's  sake,  had  forgiven  him  for  all  his 
transgressions. 

'  ^  When  Mr.  Upfold  had  obtained  a  satisfactory  evidence  of 
his  adoption  into  the  family  of  God,  he  was  greatly  concerned 
for  the  souls  of  others.  He  soon  left  the  service  of  his  Brit- 
annic Majesty,  to  devote  himself  to  the  service  of  the  King 
of  Zion.  And  although  he  was  conscious  of  his  inability  to 
preach  among  the  heathen  the  gospel  of  Christ,  yet  he  ven- 
tured to  offer  his  service  to  the  London  Missionary  Society. 
He  was  examined  by  a  committee,  who  returned  his  name 
as  a  candidate  for  missionary  labors.  About  this  time  the 
ship  Duff  was  taken  by  the  French,  with  sixty  missionaries 
on  board.  This  damped  the  missionary  spirit  for  a  time, 
during  which  he  turned  his  eyes  to  America  ;  and  soon  after 
left  his  native  country.  This  took  place  in  the  spring  of 
1801.  Soon  after  his  arrival  he  had  an  opportunity  of  seeing 
Dr.  Baldwin  administer  baptism.  This  led  him  to  an  inves- 
tigation of  the  subject.  He  carefully  examined  the  scripture, 
^  and  soon  became  convinced,  that  believers  were  the  only 
subjects  of  baptism,  and  that  immersion  was  the  only 
mode.  He  was  baptized  by  Eld.  B.  Titcomb,  of  Portland. 
Me.  Soon  after  this  he  became  associated  with  the  Baptist 
ministers.  In  the  autumn  of  1801  he  removed  from  Boston 
to  Portland,  in  Maine,  and  united  with  the  Baptist  church, 
and  soon  became  a  licentiate  to  preach  the  gospel.  In  the 
spring  of  1805  he  removed  to  Fairfield,  Herkimer  Co.,  N. 
Y.,  and  on  the  4th  of  Jan.  1807,  he  was  ordained  to  the 
■work  of  the  ministry  by  a  council  ©f  delegates  from  the 
churches  in  Hamilton,  Herkimer,  2d  Sahsbury,  Whitestown, 
Norway,  and  Deerfield.  Among  the  ministers  attending 
were  those  early  veterans  of  the  cross,  Elds.  Hosmer,  Eddy, 
Douglass,  and  Card.  He  immediately  associated  with  them 
in  proclaiming  the  word  of  truth  in  the  new  settlements. 
20* 


2^4  BAPTIST   MISSIONARY    CONVENTION. 

His  first  labors  after  leaving  Fairfield,  in  1809,  were  per- 
formed  in  the  towns  of  Remsen,  Boonville,  Leyden,  and 
Western.  And  in  some  of  these  towns  a  reformation  was 
produced,  and  churches  formed  in  the  first  three  towns,  un- 
der his  administration.  Up  to  1816  his  labors  were  contin- 
ued in  the  churches  of  Fabius  and  Sangersfield,  and  in  sev- 
eral missionary  towns,  the  last  of  which  was  performed  in 
Upper  Canada.  This  circumstance  opened  a  way  for  his 
removal  into  that  province  in  the  autumn  of  the  same  year. 
The  labors  required  in  this  extensive  field  were  severe,  and 
the  toils  of  nine  years'  exertions  to  answer  the  numerous 
calls  in  this  then  so  destitute  region  reduced  his  physical 
energies,  and  greatly  impaired  his  health.  Thus  enfeebled, 
he  returned  to  this  Stale,  and  took  up  his  residence  in  Mon- 
tezuma, and  preached  to  the  acceptance  of  the  people  in  that 
village  two  years  ;  and  in  Hannibal,  and  other  parts  of  the 
county  of  Oswego,  he  passed  the  closing  year  of  his  life. 

On  the  5th  day  of  September,  1828,  while  sitting  at  the 
table  of  his  morning  meal,  he  was  instantly  seized  ^vith  a 
cutting  pain,  as  from  the  thrust  of  a  dagger,  in  the  region  of 
the  kidneys,  where  he  had  long  endured  a  local  affection.  It 
was  immediately  followed  with  all  the  alarming  indications 
of  a  malignrnt  fever.  Eld.  Upfold  departed  this  life  the  12th 
of  the  same  month,  at  Hannibal,  Oswego  Co. 

His  preaching  was  with  plainness  of  speech  and  uncor- 
ruptness  of  doctrine.  Salvation  through  the  grace  and  truth . 
which  came  by  Jesus  Christ  was  the  substance  of  his  theme, 
and  he  dwelt  with  peculiar  delight  on  the  sovereigi^ry  of  its 
dispensation.  His  integrity  as  a  man,  and  his  faithfulness  as 
a  minister,  have  secured  him  the  friendship  and  Christian 
affection  of  many,  who  will  sorrow  most  of  all  that  they 
shall  see  his  face  no  more.  The  glowing  sentiment  of  the 
Psalmist,  expressed  in  the  text  he  selected  for  his  funeral, 
"  Lord,  I  have  loved  the  habitation  ©f  thy  house,  and  the 
place  where  thine  honor  dwelleth,"  was  beautifully  illustra- 
ted in  his  life  and  in  his  death.  The  peculiar  distresses  of 
his  last  moments  did  not  obscure  his  views  of  the  crown  laid 
up  for  him,  nor  divert  his  attention  from  the  delights  of 
singing  and  prayer.  Around  the  same  bed  where  his  freed 
soul  was  disencumbered  of  its  clay,  he  gathered  the  weeping 
remnant  of  his  family,  and  sounded  his  approach  to  the  por- 


BIOGRAPHIES — SYLVANUS    HAYNEff.  235 

tals  of  paradise  in  notes  of  praise  and  in  the  voice  of  sup. 
plication.  In  one  of  his  last  conversations,  with  his  arms 
stretched  forth  in  the  attitude  of  dedication,  he  made  a  final 
surrender  of  himself,  soul,  and  body,  and  exclaimed^  in  the 
language  of  the  penitent, 

'^'^Here,  Lord,  I  give  myself  away, 
'Tis  all  that  I  can  do." 

SYLVANtJS    HAYNES. 

Eld.  Sylvajtus  Haynes  was  born  at  Princetown,  Mass.^ 
Feb.  22,  1768.  His  father's  name  was  Joseph  Haynes.  In 
early  childhood  he  used  to  attend  secret  prayer  ;  and  had  so 
deep  a  sense  of  sin,  and  of  his  exposedness  to  Divine  wrath 
that  he  spent  his  hours  alone  in  prayers  and  tears.  He  de- 
termined to  live  no  longer  as  he  had  done^  but  to  attend  to 
religioa^in  earnest.  He  soon,  however,  became  as  thought- 
less as  ever.  But  through  mercy,  those  powerful  impressions 
were  frequent,  and  he  had  such  views  of  his  sinfulness,  and  of 
his  danger  of  eternal  ruin,  that  he  was  impelled  to  prayer.  At 
about  the  age  of  fourteen  he  was  much  addicted  to  pitching 
quoits  :  and  he  delighted  in  anticipating  the  pleasure  he 
should  take  in  the  diversion,  when  the  season  should  open. 
But  it  occurred  to  his  mind  that  he  had  heard  it  said,  "  That 
people  often  become  much  attached  to  this  world,  just  before 
they  were  going  to  leave  it."  "This,"  said  he,  "'brought 
death  and  judgment  into  view,  and  forever  spoiled  all  my 
diversions."  Thus  God  made  use  of  his  quoits  as  arrows  to 
pierce  his  heart.  He  now  felt  himself  among  the  greatest 
of  sinners.  His  Ufe  appeared  a  continued  series  of  sin. 
He  saw  that  he  had  offended  a  just  and  holy  God,  and  tramp- 
led on  the  blood  of  a  crucified  Redeemer.  He  viewed  him- 
self altogether  in  the  hands  of  that  God  against  whom  he 
had  so  long  rebelled;  from  whom  he  could  not  flee ;  before 
whose  justice  he  could  not  stand ;  and  whose  wrath  he  could 
not  endure.  His  convictions  were  extremely  pungent* 
Despair  seemed  ready  to  seize  his  trembling  soul.  A  view 
of  the  many  mercies  of  God  to  him,  and  his  ingratitude  for 
them  all,  often  filled  him  with  grief  and  shame.  He  was 
greatly  affected  to  think  he  had  so  long  slighted  the  calls^ 


236  BAPTIST   MISSIONARY    CONVENTION, 

warnings,  and  invitations,  of  Christ  in  the  gospel.  When 
he  saw  how  he  had  grieved  the  Holy  Spirit,  he  wondered  that 
he  had  not  finally  left  him.  So  great  was  his  distress,  that 
he  thought  if  he  could  not  obtain  relief  he  must  sink  to  the 
grave.  While  thus  distressed,  he  concluded,  that,  if  he  could 
give  himself  to  God,  unreservedh^,  he  would  accept  of  him. 
But  he  was  soon  convinced,  that,  if  his  salvation  depended  on 
his  giving  himself  to  God  in  a  right  way,  he  never  should 
do  it,  unless  divinely  assisted.  This  led  him  to  a  deeper 
sense  of  his  utter  lost  and  undone  condition.  Yet  he  resolved, 
God  enabling  him,  to  cry  for  mercy  as  long  as  he  should  live  ; 
and  if  he  must  sink  to  hell  at  last,  to  go  praying.  He  had 
such  views  of  the  deceitfulness  of  his  heart,  that  he  feared 
he  should  be  left  to  settle  down  on  a  false  hope.  After  a 
long  season  of  distress,  in  which  he  endured  the  most  pungent 
convictions,  God  was  pleased  to  reveal  Christ  in  him  as  the 
hope  of  glory.  From  this  time  he  had  such  vivid  views  of 
the  glorious  plan  of  salvation  as  caused  him  to  rejoice  in  the 
hope  of  a  blessed  immortality.  Then  he  could  triumphantly 
say,  "  My  Lord  and  my  God,  my  Christ  and  my  Savior,  my 
heaven  and  my  home." 

About  the  age  of  seventeen,  he  began  to  have  scruples 
about  his  baptism,  (as  he  had  only  been  sprinkled  in  his 
infancy.)  But  after  a  close  examination  of  the  Bible,  with 
fasting  and  prayer,  he  was  convinced  that  believers  were  the 
only  subjects  of  this  ordinance,  and  immersion  the  only 
proper  mode.  Accordingly,  July  5,  1786,  he  was  baptized 
by  Eld.  Isaac  Beal,  of  Leicester,  Mass.,  and  soon  after  joined 
the  church  under  his  care.  He  was  then  in  his  nineteenth  year. 

He  long  had  severe  trials  respecting  his  call  to  the  work 
of  the  ministry.  After  much  prayer  and  fasting,  and  great 
strugglings  in  his  own  mind,  he  finally  gave  up,  and  sub- 
mitted  the  matter  entirely  to  G©d,  leaving  all  the  consequen- 
ces with  him.  A  door  in  providence  soon  opened,  and  he 
commenced  preaching  the  last  Sabbath  in  March,  1789. 
He  preached  in  Princetown  about  a  year.  During  this 
period  his  labors  were  blessed,  and  several  were  converted  to 
God  through  his  instrumentality.  In  March,  1790,  he 
removed  to  Middle  town,  Vt.  July  8,  1791,  he  received  ordi- 
nation, and  took  the  pastoral  charge  of  that  church.  Elds. 
Beal,  Cornell,  Blood,  and  Green,  assisted  at  the  ordination. 


BIOGTfAPHniS — SYLVANTTS    HAYNEff.  23"^ 

August  16, 1791,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Louisa  Gardner, 
a  member  of  Middletown  church.  In  1792  a  small  revival 
took  place,  under  his  ministration.  In  1800  and  1801 
another  revival  took  place,  in  which  seventeen  souls  were 
added  to  the  church.  In  the  year  1808  he  had  strono- 
exercises  of  mind,  and  ardent  desires  for  an  outpouring  of 
the  Holy  Spirit ;  and  on  the  evening  of  the  last  Sabbath  of 
October  the  work  of  God  commenced  at  a  conference-meet- 
ing, and  went  on  powerfully.     In  the  course  of  a  year  from 

its  commencement were  baptized  and  added  to  the 

church.  In  November,  1817,  a  precious  work  began,  5nd 
during  the  work  he  baptized  fifty-three.  Notwithstanding 
this  good  work,  he  felt  it  to  be  his  duty  to  remove  to  some 
other  place.  Accordingly,  in  October,  1817,  he  removed 
with  his  family  to  Elbridge.  Shortly  after  his  location  at 
this  place  thirty  were  added  to  the  church,  three  of  whom 
were  awakened  under  his  preaching. 

In  the  year  1820  a  revival  commenced,  during  which 
seventy. eight  were  baptized.  On  Saturday,  March  19, 1825, 
his  wife  departed  this  life,  in  hopes  of  a  glorious  immortality. 
On  the  28th  of  January,  1826,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Mary 
Coman,  of  Cheshire,  Mass.  This  lady  had  been  a  professor 
of  religion  for  many  years.  But  it  was  but  a  short  time  that 
she  enjoyed  his  company.  In  less  than  a  year  death  severed 
the  bond,  and  removed  him  from  this  vale  of  tears  to  the 
mansions  of  rest.  He  died  Bee.  30,  1826,  after  a  little  more 
than  a  fortnight's  confinement  from  his  ministerial  labor. 
He  had  been  engaged  in  baptizing^  only  three  weeks  before 
his  death.  He  died  as  he  had  lived,  with  a  hope  full  of  im- 
mortality.  Tlie  approach  of  death  was  welcomed,  for  it 
only  opened  the  portals  of  glory.  The  nature  of  his  disease, 
which  w-as  an  ossification  of  the  heart,  admitted  his  saying 
very  little.  But  it  appeared  evident  from  his  brief  answers 
that  he  died  in  the  triumphs  of  faith.  He  was  interred  on 
the  first  day  of  January,  1827,  amid  the  tears  of  a  bereaved 
church,  and  an  immense  concourse  of  weeping  friends  from 
various  places,  whom  the  melancholy  providence  had  brought 
together,  to  testify  their  high  respect  for  a  great  and  good 
man.  A  sermon  was  delivered  by  Eld.  Wyckoff,  of  Auburn, 
who  about  twenty  months  before  performed  a  similar  service 
at  the  death  of  his  wife. 


238  BAPTIST    3IISSI0NARY  CONVENTION. 

Br.  Haynes  was  of  sound  judgment,  correct  principles,  and 
a  faithful,  affectionate  preacher  of  the  gospel.  In  him  young 
preachers  found  a  father  and  a  friend  ;  distressed  churches  a 
healer  of  breaches ;  and  tempted  souls  a  sympathizing  guide. 
His  many  painful  labors  for  the  salvation  of  sinners,  the 
peace  of  the  churches,  the  general  spread  of  the  gospel,  and 
the  purity  of  the  ministry,  will  never  be  fully  appreciated 
until  the  time  when  he  shall  stand  before  his  judge,  and  hear 
the  words  of  his  mouth,  "  Well  done,  good  and  faithful  ser- 
vant." 

P.  S.  The  foregoing  is  but  a  mere  minute  of  this  great 
and  good  man's  life.  The  writer  of  this  postscript  sat  under 
his  ministry  for  near  two  years — ^had  seen  him  in  various 
circumstances ;  and  in  his  opinion  he  had  few  superiors,  as  a 
minister  or  Christian.  His  sermons  were  uniformly  excel- 
lent ;  rarely  was  it  that  you  heard  one  not  above  mediocrity. 
They  were  all  watered  with  his  tears,  both  in  his  study  and 
in  the  pulpit.  He  preached  the  truth  in  view  of  the  judg- 
ment ;  and  not  a  few  have  heard  him  repeatedly  say,  at  the 
conclusion  of  his  discourses,  "  I  am  now  ready,  brethren,  to 
step  from  this  pulpit  to  the  judgment."  There  was  another 
expression  not  uncommon  with  him  when  addressing  his 
people,  worthy  of  being  remembered.  "  Brethren,  we  ought 
so  to  live  always  that  death  will  be  a  privilege."  When 
conversing  about  death,  he  seemed  to  be  always  ready  to 
depart.  I  have  known  him  when  absent  from  home,  at  the 
house  of  a  brother,  express  himself  much  as  follows  :  "  It  is 
perfectly  indifferent  to  me  whether  I  live  to  see  home.  If  I 
die  by  the  way,  it  is  no  matter ;  when  the  Lord  has  done  with 
me  here,  I  am  ready  to  go."  And  yet,  no  man  loved  his 
family  more  than  he,  or  more  highly  enjoyed  the  society  of 
his  friends  or  the  institutions  of  his  country.  These  great 
interests  were  near  his  heart,  and  according  to  his  ability  he 
gave  to  each,  systematically  and  prayerfully.  The  Institu- 
tion at  Hamilton  no  man  prized  higher.  He  felt  the  want 
of  early  advantages,  and  he  was  desirous  that  his  young 
brethren  should  be  liberated  from  embarrassments  under 
which  he  had  suffered.  By  his  industry,  and  persevering 
improvement  of  every  leisure  hour,  he  had  acquired  quite  a 
fund  of  knowledge ;  and  by  the  constant  use  of  his  pen  in 
composition,  he  not  only  acquired  a  readiness  in  writing,  but 


BIOGRAPHIES— SIMEON    BROWN.  239 

he  wrote  with  great  force  and  beauty.  Many  of  his  essays 
have  adorned  tlie  early  volumes  of  the  Register ;  and  they 
may  be  now  turned  to  and  examined  with  interest  and  profit. 


SIMEON    BROWN. 

Died,  in  Brookfield,  N.  Y.,  on  Saturday,  the  23d  of  July, 
1826,  Eld.  Simeon  Brown,  in  the  79th  year  of  his  age.  He 
was  a  native  of  Stonington,  Conn.,  where  it  was  the  pleasure 
of  the  Lord  to  make  him  a  subject  of  renewing  grace,  and 
call  him  into  his  service.  He  was  baptized  and  joined  the 
church  under  the  pastoral  charge  of  his  father.  It  was  soon 
manifest  to  him  and  the  church  that  God  had  a  work  for  him 
to  do  ;  and  he  was  obedient  to  the  heavenly  mandate.  Con- 
ferring not  with  flesh  and  blood,  he  was  often  heard  telling 
of  the  wonderful  work  of  grace  on  his  heart,  the  unbounded 
love  of  a  Savior,  and  recommending  Christ  wherever  oppor- 
tunity presented.  He  soon  began  to  preach  the  unspeakable 
riches  of  Christ  to  a  gainsaying  world.  After  laboring  to 
much  acceptance  among  the  people  where  he  first  joined,  in 
1792,  he  removed  to  Brookfield,  where  he  immediately  erected 
an  altar  for  God.  He  soon  began  meetings  in  his  own  log- 
house.  Here,  also  his  labors  were  blessed,  and  a  church 
soon  formed,  and  he  ordained  their  pastor.  From  that  time, 
till  age  and  infirmities  disabled  him,  he  statedly  administered 
the  word  of  life  to  his  flock,  and  had  the  satisfaction  to  see  a 
respectable  church  and  society  multiplied  around  him,  and  a 
large  and  commodious  meeting-house  finished  and  dedicated 
to  the  service  of  God.  After  long  and  successful  labors 
among  the  people,  he  by  degrees  gave  up  his  charge. 

In  the  spring  of  1826  he  was  attacked  with  a  shock  of  the 
palsy,  which  eventually  terminated  his  earthly  career.  He 
gradually  declined  after  the  attack,  and  had  no  hope  of  re- 
covering. When  he  could  talk,  he  did  it  with  freedom,  on 
his  departure,  and  sure  hope  through  grace.  Notwithstand- 
ing his  long  and  arduous  labors  in  the  vineyard  of  the  Lord, 
he  rested  alone  on  Christ  for  salvation,  and  the  happy  plaudit, 
"  Come,  ye  blessed  of  my  Father."  Through  his  last  illness 
it  was  very  difficult  to  converse  with  him,  and  some  time 
before  his  death  he  was  entirely  speechless,  and  gradually 


240  BAPTIST    MISSIONARY  CONVENTION. 

declined,  and  died  away  as    the  expiring  taper,  without  a 
groan  or  struggle. 

Through  the  course  of  his  Christian  pilgrimage  he  exhibi- 
ted  the  sincerity  of  his  profession,  and  the  evidences  of  his 
mission,  and  never  appeared  to  be  ashamed  of  the  gospel  of 
Christ.  His  method  of  preaching  was  evangelical  ;  he 
dwelt  not  on  controversy,  but,  well-instructed  in  the  essential 
truths  of  revelation,  he  kept  nothing  back  that  was  profitable 
to  the  people  of  his  charge.  The  church  have  indeed  been 
called  to  witness  the  removal  of  a  living  member,  with  whom 
they  took  sweet  counsel ;  but  they  are  comforted  with  the 
confidence  that  he  is  transplanted  to  a  more  genial  soil, 
where  he  will  ever  bloom  in  the  paradise  of  God. 


NATHANIEL     COLE. 

Eld.  Nathaniel  Cole,  Jr.,  the  son  of  Eld.  Nathaniel  and 
Anna  Cole,  was  born  July  14,  1780,  in  the  town  of  Swansey, 
Mass.,  where  he  resided  until  he  was  twelve  years  of  age. 
Daring  a  revival  of  religion  in  that  town,  when  he  was  about 
the  age  of  eight  years,  he  experienced  his  first  religious  im- 
pressions ;  and  it  was  at  this  period  he  thought  the  Lord 
showed  mercy  to  his  soul.  When  he  was  twelve  years  of 
age  his  father  removed  into  Richfield,  Otsego  Co.,  N.  Y., 
where  he  resided  nearly  five  years,  teaching  school  and  work- 
ing at  his  trade.  During  his  residence  in  this  place  he  mar- 
ried Miss  Polly  Whitney,  in  1806.  In  1807  he  removed  into 
Smithfield,  Madison  Co.,  where,  from  the  state  of  his  health, 
he  was  compelled  to  engage  for  some  time  in  mercantile 
business.  He  officiated  eight  years  as  a  justice  of  the  peace, 
and  four  years  as  judge  of  the  county  court.  In  1812  he  was 
a  member  of  the  Legislature. 

From  the  time  of  his  first  awakening  he  ever  manifested  a 
reverence  for  religion.  This  he  evinced  by  his  zeal  to  pro- 
mote its  interests,  and  his  concern  for  the  welfare  of  the 
church.  In  1816  he  was  baptized  by  Eld.  Nathaniel  L.  Moore, 
and  united  with  the  Baptist  church  in  Fenner.  He  very  soon 
began  the  improvement  of  his  gifts,  by  addressing  the  people 
from  passages  of  scripture.  In  1806  he  removed  to  Lenox, 
but  not  out  of  the  bounds  of  this  church.     Soon  after  this, 


BIOGRAPHIES NATHANIEL    COLE.  241 

his  mind  being  more  deeply  impressed  with  the  duty  of  devo- 
ting  himself  entirely  to  the  preaching  of  the  gospel,  he  took 
measures  to  rid  himself  of  his  principal  business,  and  com- 
menced  preaching  Jesus  and  the  resurrection.  April  8, 1818, 
he  was  set  apart  to  the  work  of  the  ministry  by  solemn  ordi- 
nation, and  took  the  pastoral  care  of  the  church.  In  Jan., 
1819,  he  was  brought  to  the  brink  of  the  grave  by  acute  in' 
flammation  of  the  liver,  from  which  he  never  entirely  recov- 
ered ;  however,  he  so  far  regained  his  health  as  to  be  useful 
in  Zion. 

He  was  a  number  of  years  an  active  member  of  the  Board 
of  the  Hamilton  Baptist  Missionary  Society,  and  of  the  Bap- 
tist  Convention  of  the  8tateof  New  York,  after  the  union  of 
those  bodies.  He  was  deeply  interested  in  Indian  reform, 
and  was  one  of  the  Executive  Committee  for  the  Oneida  sta- 
tion,  from  its  estabhshment  to  the  day  of  his  death.  In 
March,  1825,  he  was  again  brought  very  low  by  bleeding  at 
the  lungs.  From  this  time  he  relinquished  his  pastoral  duties, 
without  any  hope  of  resuming  them.  He,  however,  in  some 
measure  recovered,  so  as  to  be  able  to  oversee  his  temporal 
concerns,  and  to  preach  a  few  times.  But  in  March, 
1827,  his  disorder  assumed  a  more  threatening  aspect 
and  baffled  all  human  skill.  He  now  saw  the  time  of 
his  departure  was  at  hand,  and  therefore  set  his  house  in 
order ;  he  settled  his  temporal  concerns,  gave  directions  to 
his  family  concerning  his  funeral,  and  respecting  their  tern- 
poral  affairs  in  years  to  come.  He  then  said,  "  I  feel  like 
one  that  is  waiting  to  take  his  leave."  He  was  exercised 
with  much  severe  pain,  but  bore  it  with  great  patience.  He 
continued  to  dechne  until  the  4th  of  July,  when,  about  6 
o'clock,?.  M.,  perceiving  his  end  was  nigh,  took  the  parting 
embrace  with  his  family,  shook  hands  with  all  in  the  room, 
and  in  a  few  moments  his  immortal  spirit  left  this  world  of 
sin  and  woe,  to  celebrate  the  high  praises  of  God  in  the 
kingdom  of  immortal  glory.  His  funeral  was  attended  on 
the  7th,  and  an  appropriate  discourse  was  delivered,  by  Eld. 
John  Peck,  from  Acts.  viii.  2:  ''And  devout  men  carried 
Stephen  to  his  burial,  and  made  great  lamentation  over  him.'' 
A  vast  crowd  of  people  assembled  in  the  woods  on  the  pre- 
mises of  the  deceased.  Everything  around  seemed  to 
increase  the  solemnity  of  the  scene  ;  when,  after  singing  the 


242  BAPTIST    MISSIONARY    CONVENTION. 

"  Dying  Christian,"  and  other  appropriate  hymns,  his  remains 
were  conveyed  to  the  family  burying-ground,  and  decently 
interred. 

He  was  a  man  of  fixed  principles,  and  was  strenuous  in 
maintaining  his  opinions,  almost  to  a  fault.  He  was  par- 
ticularly zealous  in  contending  for  the  distinguishing  doctrine 
of  free  grace,  on  principles  consistent  with  agency  and  moral 
obligation.  On  those  points,  as  well  as  many  others,  he  con- 
tended manfully.  He  was  a  man  of  stern  integrity.  This 
trait  in  his  character  was  evinced  in  his  conduct  as  a  justice 
of  the  peace,  a  judge  of  the  court,  and  a  legislator.  He  was 
the  distinguished  individual  who  detected  the  mischievous 
bribery  which  was  going  on  among  the  members  of  the  House 
in  1812,  and  was  instrumental  in  bringing  the  principal 
offender  to  condign  punishment.  In  this  transaction  he 
evinced  a  mind  superior  to  the  influence  of  popular  opinion — 
that  looked  with  disdain  on  the  glitter  of  proffered  gold — and 
possessed  with  a  high  regard  to  the  principles  of  equity  and 
honor ;  and,  conscious  of  the  justice  of  his  cause,  could  haz- 
ard almost  everything  dear  ;  and  scarcely  aided  by  a  single 
friend,  could  for  many  days,  with  undaunted  firmness,  stem  a 
torrent  of  opposition,  which  must  have  overpowered  the 
courage  of  any  ordinary  mind,  until  he  carried  his  point,  and 
commanded  even  the  respect  of  his  virulent  opposers. 

He  possessed  a  quick,  discerning  mind,  and  a  readiness  of 
communication.  His  style  of  preaching  was  argumentative, 
though  sometimes  he  was  quite  pathetic.  He  was  respecta- 
ble as  a  preacher,  but  exceeded  in  private  argument,  and  in 
desultory  conversation :  here  he  was  often  eloquent.  He 
was  a  judicious  counselor,  and  was  called  upon  by  churches 
and  individuals  to  assist  in  settling  their  difficulties.  But 
he  has  finished  liis  work,  and  is  gone,  we  trust,  to  receive  his 
reward. 


NATHANIEL    J.    GILBERT. 

Nathaniel  J.  Gilbert  was  the  son  of  Elmer  and  Mary 
Gilbert.  He  was  born  in  Weston,  Fairfield  Co.,  Conn.,  on 
the  28th  of  April,  1786,  but  removed  with  his  parents  when 
young  into  the  State  of  New  York.     But  few  facts  of  his 


BIOGRAPHIES NATHANIEL    J.   GILBERT.  243 

juvenile  years  are  preserved :  'tis  said  he  was  never  known 
to  utter  a  falsehood,  and  the  sacred  regard  he  had  cherished 
for  truth  distinguished  his  whole  life. 

Being  under  the  necessity  of  constantly  laboring  on  a 
farm  while  young,  his  opportunities  for  acquiring  an  educa- 
tion were  very  limited ;  yet,  by  his  untiring  efforts  in  after- 
life, he  not  only  obtained  a  good  English  education,  but  also 
stored  his  mind  with  a  fund  of  rich  and  varied  learning. 

At  the  age  of  twenty-one  he  was  married  to  Miss  Phebe 
Grow,  who  lives  to  feel  the  loss  of  his  society.  Soon  after 
his  marriage  he  became  the  subject  of  grace,  and  was  bap- 
tized by  Eld.  Levi  Hall,  then  of  Pleasant  Valley,  Orange 
Co.,  but  who  has  since  fallen  asleep.  Having  made  a  pro- 
fession of  religion,  Br.  Gilbert  felt  a  deep  interest  in  the 
spiritual  welfare  of  his  neighbors,  and  he  commenced  en- 
deavoring to  warn  them  of  their  danger,  and  to  point  them 
to  the  Lamb  of  God,  who  taketh  away  the  sin  of  the  world. 
At  this  time  he  resided  in  Sullivan  county,  about  sixty  miles 
from  the  place  where  the  church  of  which  he  was  a  member 
usually  assembled  for  divine  worship ;  and  as  several  other 
members  of  the  same  church  were  located  near  him,  they 
were  in  the  habit  of  maintaining  public  worship,  as  a  branch, 
and  Br.  Gilbert  ministered  unto  them  much  to  their  edifica- 
tion. 

Some  time  in  the  year  1810  he  left  this  place,  and  removed 
to  the  town  of  Windsor,  Broome  Co.,  where  he  commenced 
clearing  land  for  a  farm.  At  the  period  of  his  settlement 
there  were  but  five  Baptist  professors  in  the  whole  town,  and 
these  were  scattered  over  about  fifteen  miles  of  territory  ; 
yet  such  was  Br.  Gilbert's  anxiety  to  have  the  standard  of 
the  cross  erected  in  the  town,  that  he  sought  them  out,  em- 
bodied them  in  a  conference,  and  appointed  a  place  where 
they  resolved  to  endeavor  to  maintain  the  worship  of  God. 
The  place  selected  for  their  meetings  was  about  four  miles 
from  the  residence  of  Br.  Gilbert ;  yet  neither  the  summer's 
heat  nor  the  winter's  cold  prevented  his  meeting  with  and 
preaching  unto  them,  although  he  had  to  travel  on  foot  through 
a  trackless  forest,  where  not  even  a  marked  tree  was  found 
to  guide  his  footsteps,  and  often  in  the  winter  the  snow  two 
feet  deep.  But  the  Lord  did  not  suffer  him  to  labor  in  vain  ; 
the  moral  desert  soon  began  to  blossom ;  a  church  was  or- 


244  BAPTIST    MISSIONARY    CONVENTION. 

ganized,  and  he  was  ordained  pastor.  For  several  years  he 
continued  to  labor  in  this  field,  much  to  the  satisfaction  of 
the  church  and  the  community  who  attended  his  ministry. 

In  1818  he  received  an  invitation  to  become  the  pastor  of 
the  church  in  North  Norwich,  Chen.  Co.,  on  the  acceptance 
of  which  he  removed  toihat  place,  and  continued  for  five 
years  to  go  in  and  out  before  them,  in  the  faithful  discharge 
of  his  sacred  office.  While  he  labored  with  this  church,  in 
view  of  the  destitution  which  almost  everywhere  prevailed  of 
ministerial  labor,  and  having  the  consent  of  the  church,  he 
accepted  three  appointments  from  the  Hamilton  Baptist  Mis- 
sionary Society,for  short  periods,  to  labor  among  the  destitute. 
These  appointments  he  filled  to  the  abundant  joy  of  thou- 
sands, to  whom  he  administered  the  bread  of  life,  and  also 
to  the  entire  satisfaction  of  the  Board. 

In  1822  three  active  brethren  who  had  settled  at  Syracuse, 
considering  the  prospect  of  the  enlargement  of  that  place, 
and  believing  it  would  be  for  the  glory  of  God,  and  the  ad- 
vancement of  his  kingdom,  to  have  the  gospel  preached  there 
in  its  purity,  made  repeated  and  urgent  requests  to  the  Board 
of  the  H.  B.  Missionary  Society  for  assistance.  After  pro- 
per investigation  of  the  claims  of  the  place,  and  mature  de- 
liberation, with  reference  to  the  individual  to  be  employed, 
the  Board,  at  a  meeting  held  in  March,  1823,  arrived  at  the 
conclusion,  in  which  they  were  unanimous,  to  appoint  Br. 
Gilbert  their  missionary  at  Syracuse.  Upon  his  acceptance 
of  the  appointment  he  removed  his  family,  and  commenced 
the  occupancy  of  the  field,  where,  after  toiling  for  more  than 
nine  years,  the  Master  called  him  to  his  rest.  From  the 
very  commencement  of  his  labors  the  Divine  blessing  appears 
to  have  attended  his  ministry.  The  little  church,  which  had 
been  formed  previous  to  his  removal  there,  became  much 
enlarged;  a  house  of  worship  was  erected,  the  funds  for 
which  he  was  enabled  to  obtain.  For  several  subsequent 
years  appropriations  were  made  by  the  Board  of  the  H.  B. 
M.  S.,  to  them  in  sustaining  their  pastor,  yet,  by  the  bless- 
ing of  God  on  his  labors,  Br.  Gilbert  had  the  happiness  to 
see  the  church  so  increased  in  numbers  and  wealth,  that  they 
were  able  not  only  to  support  the  gospel  among  themselves, 
but  also  to  do  more  for  benevolent  purposes  than  they  had 
ever  received. 


jSIOGRAPHIES NATHANIEL   J.   GILBERT.  245 

Of  Br.  Gilbert  it  may  emphatically  be  said,  he  was  an 
able  minister  of  the  New  Testament ;  he  was  familiarly  ac- 
quainted with  the  doctrines  of  the  gospel,  and  had  a  peculiarly 
happy  talent  in  bringing  the  truth  to  bear  upon  the  con- 
sciences of  his  hearers.  His  voice  was  loud,  his  articulation 
clear  and  distinct,  and  his  manner  pathetic,  and  at  times  full 
of  energy.  As  a  paster,  his  labors  among  his  people  were 
abundant :  nor  were  there  many  whose  talents  equaled  him 
in  this  department  of  his  duties.  He  also  felt  a  lively  inter- 
est in  the  welfare  of  the  churches  around  him ;  and,  not 
regarding  his  own  ease,  he  labored  much  to  build  them  up  by 
visiting  and  preaching  among  them. 

In  all  the  benevolent  movements  of  the  day  his  heart  beat 
in  unison  with  the  most  liberal.  During  the  last  two  years 
of  his  life  he  entered  with  his  whole  soul  into  the  labors  of 
protracted  meetings ;  and  it  is  confidently  believed  that  hun- 
dreds of  precious  souls  who  were  converted  to  God  in  the 
meetings  he  attended,  will  at  last  appear  as  the  seals  of  his 
ministry.  The  winter  before  his  death  a  most  interesting 
protracted  meeting  was  held  in  Syracuse,  in  which  it  was 
judged  upwards  of  one  hundred  obtained  mercy.  Of  these 
Br.  Gilbert  had  the  privilege  of  baptizing  ninety-six,  who 
were  added  to  the  church.  This  was  the  most  interesting 
period  of  his  ministry  ;  yet  his  humility  remained  peculiarly 
manifest.  Thus  he  lived  and  labored,  until  the  very  day 
before  he  was  called  to  join  the  company  of  the  redeemed  in 
glory. 

On  Lord's  day,  July  22,  1832,  the  day  before  he  died,  he 
preached  four  times,  from  the  following  texts,  viz.  :  "  Let 
your  light  so  shine  before  men  that  they  may  see  your  good 
works,  and  glorify  your  Father  which  is  in  heaven.""  (Matt. 
V.  16.)  "  Because  I  have  called  and  ye  refused,  I  have 
stretched  out  my  hand,  and  no  man  regarded,  but  ye  have 
set  at  nought  all  my  counsel,  and  would  none  of  my  reproof, 
I  also  will  laugh  at  your  calamities  ;  I  will  mock  when  your 
fear  cometh.^'  (Proverbs  vi.  24 — 26.)  "Wherefore,  gird 
up  the  loins  of  your  mind  ;  be  sober,  and  hope  to  the  end 
for  the  grace  that  is  to  be  brought  unto  you  at  the  revelation 
of  Jesus  Christ."  (1  Peter  i.  13.)  «  But  fear  thou  God." 
(Ecc.  V.  7.)  For  a  few  days  previous  he  had  been  attended 
with  a  bowel  complaint,  but  the  night  following  the  day  of 
21* 


246  BAPTIST    MISSIONARY  CONVENTION. 

this  extraordinary  labor  he  had  but  little  rest,  while  he  was 
the  subject  of  great  anxiety  in  consequence  of  the  illness  of 
his  wife,  who  had  exhibited  some  of  the  premonitory  symp- 
toms of  cholera.  On  the  following  morning  he  called  on  a 
physician  to  visit  his  wife,  and  on  his  return  home  he  entered 
his  study,  and  was  diligently  employed  with  a  subject  he  had 
been  investigating.  Soon  after  one  of  his  brethren  called, 
and  was  greatly  alarmed  at  his  appearance ;  but  Br.  Gilbert 
said  he  was  not  much  unwell.  A  very  few  moments  after 
the  physician  arrived,  who  immediately  told  him  that  his 
countenance  indicated  that  he  had  the  cholera  ;  to  which  he 
replied  he  thought  not.  Almost  immediately  after  he  spoke 
of  a  strange  sensation  in  one  of  his  feet ;  it  was  the  cramp, 
connected  with  the  collapsed  state  of  the  cholera.  He  then 
retired  to  his  room,  and  the  spasms  commenced,  and  increased, 
soon  reaching  his  bowels.  He  suffered  the  most  excruciating 
pains,  but  he  endured  them  with  great  patience  and  resignation 
to  the  will  of  God.  To  a  friend  who  stood  by  him  he  remarked, 
"  I  little  thought,  yesterday,  that  I  should  be  in  this  situation 
to-day,  but  God  has  done  perfectly  right."  Towards  noon 
some  faint  hopes  were  cherished  that  he  might  recover ;  but 
in  the  afternoon  his  symptoms  became  more  alarming,  and 
ere  the  midnight  hour  arrived,  the  painful  intelligence  was 
announced  that  Eld.  Gilbert  was  no  more.  Many  were  the 
hearts  that  were  wrung  with  sorrow,  not  only  in  Syracuse, 
but  in  the  towns  adjacent,  as  the  tidings  fell  upen  their  ears  ; 
saying,  "  A  great  man  has  fallen  in  Israel." 

Thus,  in  the  forty-seventh  year  of  his  age,  and  the  twenty, 
fifth  year  of  his  ministry,  in  full  hope  of  a  glorious  immor- 
tality, Br.  Gilbert  left  this  vale  of  tears,  to  enjoy  the  sweet 
embraces  of  his  Redeemer  in  those  mansions  prepared  for 
the  people  of  God.  By  the  death  of  Br.  Gilbert,  his  widow, 
who  was  raised  as  from  the  borders  of  the  grave,  mourns 
the  loss  of  a  most  affectionate  husband  ;  the  two  sons  a 
tender  and  indulgent  father  ;  the  church  a  most  faithful  and 
efficient  pastor  ;  and  the  ministry  one  of  their  most  lovely 
and  endeared  associates. 


BIOGRAPHIES ROSWEL   BECKWITH.  247 


ROSWEL     BECKWITH. 

Eld.  RoswEL  Beckwith  was  born  in  Lyme,  New  London 
Co.,  Conn.,  Oct.  21, 1753.  He  became  early  the  subject  of 
religious  impressions,  through  the  kind  and  faithful  instruc- 
tions  of  a  pious  mother.  At  the  age  of  seven  he  was  often 
impressed  with  a  sense  of  his  sins,  but  not  till  he  had  entered 
on  his  thirteenth  year  did  he  find  deliverance  from  the  power 
and  dominion  of  sin  through  the  blood  and  righteousness  of 
Christ,  About  the  same  time  a  brother,  younger  than  him- 
self, obtained  a  hope  in  the  Savior,  and,  together,  engaged  in 
the  work  of  the  Lord.  Though  babes  in  Christ,  they  went 
forth  from  house  to  house,  and  pointed  sinners  to  the  Lamb 
of  God.  Their  invitations  were  heeded,  and  by  the  blessing 
of  God  a  glorious  ingathering  of  souls  into  his  kingdom  fol- 
lowed. A  day  of  darkness  with  him  ensued :  it  was  long  and 
dreary. 

At  the  age  of  twenty-seven  he  was  married  to  Lydia  Dorr, 
of  Lyme,  Conn.,  a  worthy  person,  who  shared  his  joys  and 
sorrows  until  the  year  1834,  when  she  fell  asleep  in  Jesus. 
He  resolved  never  to  head  the  family-circle  without  erecting 
the  altar  of  prayer.  This  he  did,  though  darkness  encom- 
passed him.  In  the  discharge  of  this  duty  he  found  some 
peace ;  yet  his  deliverance  was  not  complete  until  he  was 
thirty-three  years  of  age.  At  this  time  he  united  with  a 
separate  Congregational  church.  Soon  he  became  satisfied 
that  the  Lord  had  called  him  to  blow  the  trumpet  of  the  gos- 
pel, and  he  received  fellowship  of  the  church  to  that  effect. 

At  the  age  of  forty-seven  he  removed  from  thence  to 
Coeymans,  Albany  Co.,  N.  Y.  Here  his  labors  become 
more  abundant.  A  people  that  had  desecrated  the  Sabbath 
soon  were  brought  to  enjoy  its  privileges,  and  very  many  to 
hallow  it,  through  his  instrumentality.  A  church  was  soon 
formed — the  fruits  of  a  revival  under  his  ministry — to  which 
he  continued  to  preach.  During  this  revival  he  was  request- 
ed to  deliver  a  sermon  on  infant  baptism.  This  he  promised 
to  do,  so  soon  as  he  could  investigate  and  arrange  the  subject. 
He  resorted  to  the  "  law  and  testimony"  for  proof  upon  this 


248  BAPTIST    MISSIONARY    COT^'ENTION. 

"heaven-born  doctrine,"  as  he  then  considered  it.  But  he 
appUed  to  the  wrong  source  for  evidence ;  and  not  being  dis- 
posed to  seek  it  from  others,  he  reUnquished  the  doctrine  as 
having  no  foundation  but  in  the  fruitful  inventions  of  men. 
This  led  him  to  a  close  examination  of  the  institutions  of  the 
gospel,  which  resulted  in  a  union  with  the  regular  Baptists. 
Soon  a  church  was  formed,  of  which  he  became  the  pastor, 
and  was  ordained  in  April,  1801.  In  1805  he  removed  to 
Cazenovia,  Mad.  Co.,  N.  Y.  He  united  with  the  first 
church  in  Nelson,  and  labored  with  them  about  eight  years. 
He  then  joined  the  church  in  Peterboro,  where  he  preached 
most  of  the  time  for  seven  years.  When  age  and  infirmity 
had  closed  upon  him,  he  united  with  the  Baptist  church  in 
Cazenovia,  and  remained  a  member,  until  he,  with  other 
disciples,  formed  a  separate  church  |in  Cazenovia  Village, 
A.  D.  1820.  Truly  it  may  be  said  the  temporal  and  spirit- 
ual interests  of  this  church  were  greatly  promoted  through 
his  vigilance  and  care. 

Eld.  Beckwith  was  a  man  of  integrity  and  firmness.  His 
resolutions  were  prosecuted  with  a  zeal  characteristic  of  his 
age.  He  was  a  veteran  of  '76.  In  the  field  of  battle,  and 
in  prison,  he  showed  a  devotion  to  his  country  and  to  the 
cause  of  freedom  worthy  of  imitation  by  every  friend  of  free 
institutions.  These  characteristics  have  been  most  clearly 
exemplified  in  his  Christian  career.  Was  he  devoted  to  his 
country? — he  was  more  so  to  his  Redeemer.  Was  he  ready 
to  be  sacrificed  on  the  altar  of  liberty  ? — he  was  more  so  upon 
the  altar  of  his  God.  In  evil  as  well  as  in  good  report  he 
was  the  same  ardent  and  unwavering  friend  of  the  Savior. 

As  a  minister,  like  Moses,  he  was  slow  in  speech,  yet  pos- 
sessed an  inventive  mind.  He  was  sound  in  the  faith,  and 
had  clear  conceptions  of  gospel  truth.  At  the  fireside  he 
excelled.  His  instructions  were  well-timed,  and  most  inter- 
esting in  kind.  Here  he  was  often  eloquent.  The  listener 
always  felt  himself  in  the  presence  of  a  superior  man,  and  a 
bold  and  decided  Christian.  He  w^as  emphatically  a  peace- 
maker, and  seldom  engaged  in  settling  a  difficulty  between 
brethren  without  effecting  a  reconciliation.  He  was  constant 
at  the  house  of  prayer,  even  when  the  infirmities  of  age 
might  have  plead  an  exemption.  Thus  he  continued  until 
within  a  few  weeks  of  his  death,  which  took  place  Feb.,  1836, 


BIOGRAPHIES SQUIRE    MANRO.  249 

in  the  83d  year  of  his  age.  In  his  last  sickness  he  said  to  a 
friend,  "  The  Lord  hath  built  this  tabernacle,  and  often 
repaired  it ;  and  as  he  is  now  about  to  take  it  down,  I  am  will- 
ing he  should  do  it  in  his  own  time  and  way ;"  and  added, 
"He  will  do  it  just  right,  and  will  raise  it  up  at  the  last  day." 
He  also  added,  "  I  have  no  wish  to  live  or  to  die ;  I  am  will- 
ing to  leave  all  with  my  blessed  Savior  ;  and  as  I  lay  here 
upon  my  bed,  he  hands  me  texts  of  scripture  just  as  I  need 
them  for  my  comfort  and  consolation." 

His  last  hours  were  peculiarly  calm  and  peaceful,  and  in 
him  was  exemplified  the  sentiment  of  the  Psalmist,  "  Mark 
the  perfect  man,  and  behold  the  upright ;  for  the  end  of  that 
man  is  peace." 


SQUIRE     MANRO. 

Dea.  SauiRE  Manro  was  born  in  Rehoboth,  Mass.,  June 
27,  1757.  He  was  the  oldest  son  of  Nathan  Manro.  His 
grand- father,  William,  with  his  great-grand-father,  John,  em- 
igrated  from  Scotland  in  the  early  settlement  of  America. 
His  grand-mother  was  the  grand-daughter  of  Col.  Benjamin 
Clark,  the  distinguished  officer  in  King  Philip's  war.  At  the 
commencement  of  the  revolutionary  war  he  entered  the  ser- 
vice of  his  country,  at  the  age  of  eighteen,  and  continued  in 
the  army  three  years,  during  which  time  he  was  constantly 
exposed  to  dangers  and  hardships,  being  located  directly  on 
the  sea-board.  In  this  school  he  took  so  deep  an  interest  in 
the  welfare  of  his  country,  that  the  principles  of  civil  and 
religious  liberty  were  firmly  rooted  in  his  political  sentiments 
at  an  early  period  of  his  life.  He  had  intended  to  live  a  ma- 
ratime  life,  and  his  studies  had  been  directed  accordingly ; 
but  the  war  frustrated  his  design. 

At  the  age  of  twenty-two  he  was  married  to  Miss  Mary, 
daughter  of  John  Daggett,  who  is  still  living,  and  by  whom 
he  had  ten  children,  six  of  whom  survive  him,  and  all  enter- 
tain a  hope  in  the  mercy  of  God.  He  took  a  farm  on  shares 
to  support  his  little  family  in  that  place,  but  soon  found  that 
this  method  would  yield  him  an  insufficient  income,  as  his 
family  was  increasing.     Therefore,  in  about  three  years,  he 


250  BAPTIST    MISSIONARY    CONVENTION. 

hired  fifty  acres  of  land  in  Lanesborough,  Mass.,  mostly  new ; 
but  he  had  the  privilege  of  paying  his  rent  by  clearing  more 
land.  After  thus  contracting  for  his  removal  into  the  then 
new  country,  he  took  his  little  effects,  with  his  wife  and  two 
small  children,  and  ventured  towards  the  place  of  his  destina- 
tion. But  in  crossing  the  Connecticut  river  his  goods  were 
precipitated  into  the  stream,  and  a  portion  of  them,  together 
with  all  his  spending  money,  (ten  dollars  in  silver,)  were  ne- 
ver recovered ;  and  he  was  dependent  on  the  charity  of  the 
people  for  his  expenses  the  rest  of  his  journey.  Here  he 
learnt  a  lesson  that  was  never  forgotten  by  him  in  after  days  ; 
for  whenever  the  poor  applied  to  him  for  aid,  after  God  had 
blessed  him  with  the  wealth  of  this  world,  they  were  never 
turned  empty  away. 

Not  long  after  his  settlement  in  Lanesborough,  his  atten- 
tion was  called  up  to  the  great  concerns  of  religion.  His 
Christian  experience,  with  his  views  of  the  order  of  Christ's 
house,  are  related  by  himself  as  follows  :  "  My  mind  was  call- 
ed up  to  the  subject  of  religion  in  the  winter  and  spring  of 
1784,  then  residing  in  Lanesborough.  The  subject  of  lisli- 
gion  was  the  constant  topic  of  conversation  with  my  wife  ; 
and  although  her  mind  was  not  apparently  so  deeply  inter- 
ested as  my  own,  yet  the  Lord  gave  her  rest  in  Jesus,  and  left 
me  behind,  while  I  was  still  resting  on  my  own  works.  This 
circumstance  removed  my  reliance  from  every  creature  help, 
and  my  anguish  of  heart  was  extreme.  I  then  looked  for 
some  extraordinary  operation  from  God,  as  there  had  been 
upon  my  wife.  I  was  brought  to  the  straight  to  see  that  I 
%vas  a  very  great  sinner,  and  that  God  would  be  just  in  my 
eternal  condemnation.  It  seemed  as  though  my  doom  was 
fixed,  until  one  day,  when  ploughing  in  the  field,  I  had  to  quit 
work  and  give  up  all  for  lost.  I  turned  out  my  oxen,  went 
into  the  house,  gazed  at  the  Bible,  and  sat  in  solemn  silence  ; 
when,  all  at  once,  the  language  of  John  to  his  disciples, '  Be- 
hold the  Lamb  of  God  that  taketh  away  the  sins  of  the  world,'' 
came  to  my  mind  with  the  utmost  strength  and  power.  It 
sunk  deep  into  my  heart.  I  viewed,  in  the  most  clear  man- 
ner, how  God  could  be  just,  and  the  justifier  of  such  a  rebel 
worm,  justly  doomed  to  everlasting  banishment  from  his 
peaceful  presence  !  From  that  moment  I  saw  all  things  were 
new,  and  '  old  things  had  passed  away.'     I  saw  such  a  beau- 


BIOGRAPHIES SQUIRE    MANRO.  251 

ty  and  glory  in  a  risen  Savior,  that  I  could  but  desire  to 
serve  him  the  rest  of  my  days.  My  great  anxiety  then,  was, 
to  know  what  God  would  have  me  do.  I  accordingly  com- 
menced a  thorough  search  of  the  scriptures,  to  know  my  du- 
ty. I  conversed  with  many  of  the  saints  of  God  for  infor- 
mation ;  and,  on  examination,  serious  doubts  arose  respect- 
ing the  practice  of  my  parents,  for  I  was  educated  a  Presby- 
terian.  I  conversed  with  my  Presbyterian  pastor,  Mr.  Col- 
lins ;  and,  instead  of  being  confirmed  in  my  former  views,  I 
found  that  they  were  completely  changed.  I  could  no  long- 
er support  infant  sprinkling  from  the  Bible,  but  was  confirm- 
ed in  the  sentiment  that  believers  were  the  only  subjects, 
and  immersion  the  only  scriptural  mode.  After  being  thus 
established,  I  was  yet  unwilling  to  submit  to  the  performance 
of  the  duty  that  was  so  clearly  pointed  out  in  the  gospel ;  till 
at  length  God  visited  me  with  a  rod  in  taking  away  two  of 
my  children  by  death,  in  a  very  sudden  manner.  This  pro- 
vidence entirely  broke  me  down,  and  made  me  willing  to  say. 
Thy  will  be  done,  O  Lord  ;  I  will  submit  with  pleasure.  I 
then  presented  myself  to  the  Baptist  church,  and  thus  ac- 
knowledged my  Lord  and  Master  in  his  own  appointed  way. 
I  united  with  the  church  under  the  care  of  Eld.  Peter  Wor- 
den,  and  was  baptized  by  Eld.  Joseph  Cornell." 

By  his  zeal  for  the  cause  of  his  Master,  and  his  care  for 
the  church,  it  soon  became  evident  that  he  possessed  the  ne- 
cessary qualifications  for  an  office  in  the  church.  He  was 
accordingly  chosen  and  set  apart,  by  prayer  and  laying  on 
of  hands,  to  the  office  of  a  deacon.  The  duties  of  this  office 
he  continued  to  perform  to  good  acceptance,  and  in  great 
faithfulness,  till  God  saw  fit  to  call  him  from  serving  tables 
in  his  earthly  court,  to  receive  a  crown  of  immortal  honor  in 
the  upper  and  better  world. 

In  the  year  1799  he  exchanged  his  property  in  Lanesbo- 
rough  for  the  farm  on  which  he  lived  till  his  death,  in  Camii- 
lus,  now  Elbridge,  Onon.  Co.,  N.  Y.  The  country  was  then 
new,  and  land  very  cheap  ;  by  which  means  his  property 
became  greatly  increased  in  value.  He  kept  a  public  house 
for  some  years,  appropriating  the  proceeds  to  the  purchase  of 
new  lands,  the  rise  of  which,  with  his  industry  and  economy, 
soon  rendered  him  a  very  wealthy  farmer.  Yet,  in  all  his 
advancement,  it  never  contributed  to  the  fostering  of  pride 


252  BAPTIST    MISSIONARY  CONVENTION. 

in  his  deportment  towards  his  fellow-men  or  in  the  world. 
When  it  was  thought  advisable  to  build  a  meetincf.house, 
he  sustained  a  great  share  of  the  expense,  and  gave  it  to  the 
church.  Towards  the  latter  part  of  his  life  he  was  much 
afflicted  with  the  gravel  and  dropsy.  About  five  years  ago 
he  was  very  severely  attacked,  from  which  it  was  feared  he 
would  never  recover ;  yet  he  was  so  far  restored  as  to  be 
able  to  do  business  at  home  and  abroad.  He  not  only  met 
with  the  church  at  home,  but  in  the  meetings  of  the  several 
benevolent  societies. 

During  his  illness,  whenever  there  was  a  meeting  of  the 
State  Convention,  or  its  Board,  or  any  other  public  meeting 
to  do  good,  from  which  he  was  detained  by  ill  health,  he 
would  send  his  respects  to  them,  and  bid  them  persevere  in 
the  good  cause.  And  when  he  could  no  longer  meet  with 
them,  he  would  send  his  money,  still  assuring  them  that  it 
was  accompanied  with  his  prayers  to  God  that  he  would 
succeed  the  effort  with  his  blessing.  The  last  conventional 
meeting  that  he  ever  attended  was  at  Mendon,  in  1833,  which 
even  then  was  more  than  his  broken  constitution  was  able  to 
endure.  It  was  many  months  before  he  was  recovered  from 
the  fatigue  of  that  journey.  He  never  attended  public  wor- 
ship but  little  after  that  period. 

Whenever  I  called  on  him  in  any  period  of  his  confine- 
ment, he  was  anxious  to  know  the  state  of  the  church,  that 
he  might  mourn  with  them  that  mourn,  and  rejoice  with  them 
that  rejoice.  During  any  period  of  his  confinement  from 
public  worship,  it  was  his  constant  practice,  on  the  return  of 
the  family  from  meeting,  to  inquire  after  the  text  and  sub- 
ject the  first  thing,  and  then  he  would  make  comments  that 
were  both  interesting  and  instructive. 

At  one  time,  when  he  was  thought  to  be  near  his  end,  his 
physician  entering  his  room,  he  said  to  him,  "  Oh,  my  dear 
doctor,  do  love  that  precious  Jesus — I  am  almost  gone — but 
I  must  tell  you  how  good  Jesus  is  to  my  poor  soul.  Oh,  that 
precious,  precious  Jesus."  He  would  often  say  that  he  was 
afraid  he  should  be  left  to  murmur — that  he  should  be  impa- 
tient under  his  pain.  "  O  that  I  may  wait  till  the  Lord's 
time  come — my  heavenly  Father  knows  best,"  A  few  days 
before  his  death  a  friend  called  on  him,  who  was  professedly 
a  Universalist :  he  called  him  by  name  as  he  came  to  his 


BIOGRAPHIES SQUIRE    MANRO.  253 

bedside,  as  though  filled  with  the  deepest  concern  for  the 
welfare  of  his  friend,  and  said,  "  Universalism  is  poor  stuff ; 
it  won't  do  you  any  good.  Love  the  precious  Savior,  or  you 
must  be  lost  forever."  At  another  time  he  said  to  his  pas- 
tor, "  Oh,  my  dear  elder,  preach,  preach  Christ  and  him 
crucified.  My  time  is  short :  I  am  living  by  the  day — I  ex- 
pect every  day  to  be  my  last.  I  am  looking  and  hoping  for 
it  to  come  ;  then  shall  I  be  satisfied  when  I  awake  in  thy 
likeness.  When  shall  I  get  home  ?  but  I  fear  that  I  shall  be 
impatient.     Oh,  how  good  God  is  !" 

All  the  blessings  he  enjoyed  he  seemed  to  realize  as  com- 
ing from  God,  saying,  "  What  reason  I  have  to  be  thankful 
to  God,  that  he  has  given  me  such  kind  children,  to  take 
such  special  care  of  me  in  my  sickness.  Well,  well,  God 
will  reward  them."  The  day  before  his  death,  he  said,  "My 
day  is  at  hand,  and  the  hour  of  my  death  will  be  the  happiest 
hour  of  my  life.  I  desire  to  depart  and  be  with  Christ,  which 
is  far  better."  There  was  no  particular  change  till  his  last 
moments.  There  were  times  when  he  would  seem  to  be 
rather  lost,  and  he  would  not  apprehend  questions  clearly  ; 
but  for  the  most  part  he  had  his  reason  perfectly. 

On  the  morning  of  his  death,  which  was  on  the  31st  of 
March,  he  was  helped  into  his  chair.  He  was  in  great  dis- 
tress— said  but  little — wished  to  lie  down.  Some  refresh- 
ment was  brought  him ;  as  he  was  taking  some  tea,  he 
coughed,  and  raised  a  little — said,  "  I  am  going,"  and  sunk 
down  into  the  arms  of  death,  without  a  struggle  or  a  groan. 
His  wife,  who  was  out  of  the  room  at  breakfast,  hastened  in  ; 
but  it  was  only  to  see  the  last  gasp  ;  his  spirit  had  fled,  to 
dwell  in  his  long-sought  rest. 

On  the  third  day  from  his  death  the  funeral  services  were 
attended  at  his  dwelling,  and  a  sermon  on  the  occasion  ad- 
dressed  to  the  mourning  family  and  friends,  from  2  Cor.  v. 
20  :  "  We  pray  you,  in  Christ's  stead,  be  ye  reconciled  to 
God."  The  corpse  was  then  deposited  in  his  own  family 
burying-ground,  and  on  the  following  Sabbath  a  discourse 
was  delivered  to  the  church. 

Thus,  a  great  and  good  man  has  fallen  in  Israel.     The 
writer  can  truly  say,  the  more  I  reflect  on  his  worth,  the 
more  I  feel  the  loss  of  Dea.  Manro.     He  was  a  man  of  unu- 
sual strength  of  mind.     He  would  often  sit  silent,  when  in 
22 


254  BAPTIST    MISSIONARY  CONVENTION. 

/ 

council  with  his  brethren,  during  many  lengthy  discussions 
on  some  intricate  subject,  till  nearly  at  the  close,  when  he 
would  rise,  and  spread  out  the  whole  subject  with  perfect 
ease,  and  devise  means  for  solving  each  point  to  the  entire 
satisfaction  of  all.  He  usually  weighed  a  subject  well  before 
giving  his  opinion,  yet,  when  his  mind  was  made  up,  he  was 
sanguine  in  supporting  his  position,  and,  some  have  supposed, 
to  a  fault.  When  in  the  house  of  worship,  he  usually  mani- 
fested his  disapprobation  by  the  countenance  he  wore.  When 
the  subject  was  especially  interesting  to  him,  his  soul  seemed 
so  fully  absorbed  in  it  that  he  forgot  everything  else  ;  a  flood 
of  tears  would  involuntarily  burst  from  his  eyes,  and  nodding 
his  head  he  would  say,  "  Yes,  yes,  that  is  true,"  or,  "  This  is 
right,"  or,  "Amen,"  or  reach  to  a  friend  sitting  near,  that 
he  might  share  with  him  in  the  blessing.  He  seemed  to  make 
all  around  him  interested  in  the  subject  in  which  he  himself 
was  delighted. 

He  took  a  deep  interest  in  all  the  benevolent  objects  of  the 
day  ;  ministerial  education  lay  near  his  heart.  He  not  only 
bestowed  a  scholarship  on  the  Institution  at  Hamilton,  but 
made  liberal  donations  to  it  besides.  When  the  monthly 
contribution  was  taken  up  for  the  foreign  mission,  he  used 
to  give  five  dollars  a  month  for  that ;  he  was  equally  liberal 
towards  the  domestic  and  other  objects  of  benevolence.  He 
was  a  zealous  advocate  of  the  sentiment  that  the  gospel  min- 
ister should  not  only  be  well  supported,  but  that  it  be  done 
by  equality,  according  to  the  gospel,  as  God  had  prospered 
him. 

Although  he  strenuously  maintained  the  doctrine  of  a  lim- 
ited atonement,  yet  he  warmly  approbated  the  duty  and  obli- 
gation of  the  sinner,  and  would  often  close  his  arguments  on 
this  subject  with,  "  Well,  well,  I  love  to  hear  that  blessed  doc- 
trine, Come,  come,  come. 

His  house  was  always  known  as  the  Christian's  home ; 
and  it  was  made  doubly  so  by  his  interesting  conversation 
on  the  subject  of  religion — for  this  was  ever  his  topic  ;  no 
one  could  pay  or  receive  a  visit  from  him,  without  learning 
they  were  with  a  man  of  God. 

He  was  not  without  his  enemies,  as  persons  of  wealth  sel- 
dom are  ;  but  his  were  few.  The  latter  part  of  his  life  was 
more  particularly  occupied  with  the  various  objects  of  bene- 


BIOGRAPHIES SQUIRE    MANRO.  255 

volence,  for  few  of  them  existed  when  he  first  made  a  pro- 
fession of  religion.  He  was  ever  forward  in  promoting  the 
welfare  of  the  church,  at  home  or  abroad.  "  Blessed  is  the 
death  of  the  righteous." 


END 


ERRATA. 

Page  17,    line  22,  it  ought  to  be, "  these  infant  churches." 
"     19,      "    30,  "  Otego,"  not  Oteo. 
"     28,     '•      3,  "2,903,"  not  3,903. 
"     88,    A  part  of  the  doings  of  the  Board  in  Fabius,  May  18, 

1825,  is  put  in  the  middle  of  the  Report  of  the  Board 

made  in  Nelson,  Feb.  23,  1825. 


Date  Due 

' 

f> 

1 

